General Counsel - Occidental College

Occidental College, a nationally recognized liberal arts institution in Los Angeles, is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the College's chief legal officer and strategic advisor to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership. This role offers the opportunity to shape institutional direction, oversee legal and risk management strategy, and engage closely with an active, highly engaged Board. Located in one of the world's most dynamic cities, Oxy offers a rare blend of rigorous academics, inclusive culture, and urban vibrancy-an ideal setting for a seasoned legal leader to grow their impact.

Another Source's client, Occidental College, is recruiting a General Counsel to join their team in Los Angeles, CA

About Occidental College

Founded in 1887, Occidental College ("Oxy") is a nationally recognized, private liberal arts college located in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. With approximately 2,000 students from across the globe, Oxy offers a distinctive combination of rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, close faculty-student collaboration, and a strong commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. The College's location in one of the world's most dynamic cities provides students, faculty, and staff with unique opportunities for academic engagement, professional development, community partnerships, and cultural enrichment. Guided by its mission to provide a transformative liberal arts education, Occidental prepares students to think critically, act ethically, and make a difference in the world.

About the Role

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the College. In this role, you will oversee all legal affairs and provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff. You will manage litigation, supervise in-house counsel and risk management personnel, and retain outside counsel as needed. You will play a critical role in ensuring institutional compliance, advising on risk management, and shaping policy and operational strategies aligned with the College's mission. You will also directly supervise the Assistant General Counsel, Risk Manager, and Executive Assistant, with responsibilities that include work assignment, training, performance evaluation, policy development, hiring, disciplinary actions, and leave/pay authorization in accordance with College policies.

The annual salary range for this position is $280,000- 295,000 based on experience. Relocation assistance available.

Position Responsibilities

Research, advise on, and generate work product for a broad range of College legal issues and matters, including employment, corporate governance, insurance, risk management, compliance, investigations, collective bargaining, tax, intellectual property, academic and administrative policies, real estate, student affairs, faculty tenure and governance, and Title IX.

• Communicate and interact with senior leadership, administrators, and faculty regarding legal developments and requirements. Participate in senior staff meetings, cross-functional working groups, training sessions, presentations, and other meetings.

• Recommend operational and policy changes and develop alternative policies and procedures to support College objectives.

• Provide training and prepare training materials on legal issues for appropriate constituencies.

• Oversee litigation activities, respond to service of process, and manage production of documents and evidence in response to requests.

• Identify, evaluate, and analyze risks in College operations. Develop strategies to manage those risks efficiently and cost-effectively. Educate, advise, and counsel faculty, administration, staff, and students to reduce or transfer risks, and coordinate insurance coverage.

• Screen and select outside counsel, manage the Office of General Counsel's budget, and supervise office staff.

What you will bring:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar, or eligibility to become Registered In-House Counsel in California.

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible, post-graduate legal experience, with demonstrated ability to advise on complex matters.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data, develop clear recommendations, and present findings effectively to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and electronic communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, confidential environment while meeting deadlines with accuracy and quality.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, web editing, and social media applications-or equivalent productivity tools.

• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and work across departments, constituencies, and organizational levels in a college environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including experience assigning work, training staff, conducting evaluations, and managing performance.

• Knowledge of contemporary management practices, with demonstrated ability to develop job descriptions, assess candidates, and support professional growth through training and coaching.

• Skilled in providing constructive feedback, preparing performance appraisals, and implementing performance improvement plans.

• Proven ability to handle sensitive employment matters, including disciplinary actions and employment decisions, with fairness and consistency.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently while exercising sound judgment and accountability.

Preferred Experience:

• At least ten years of legal practice, including a minimum of six years advising academic institutions, either in-house or as outside counsel.

• Demonstrated expertise in laws and regulations applicable to higher education.

• Familiarity with the organizational and operational environments of both undergraduate and graduate institutions.

Employee Benefits at Occidental College

Occidental College is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees. To learn more about employee benefits at Occidental College, please visit: https://www.oxy.edu/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-information?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Health & Wellness

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options

• Life insurance coverage

• Free access to campus fitness and wellness facilities, including the swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, and weight room

• On-campus wellness programs and classes, including discounted Weight Watchers

Financial & Retirement

• Participation in a 403(b) retirement savings plan

• Access to Glendale Area Schools Credit Union membership, including financial services such as share accounts, checking, and credit options

Learning & Resources

• Library borrowing privileges and access to the Academic Commons

Perks & Discounts

• 10% discount at the Oxy Bookstore on most items

• Discounts through the Working Advantage program for entertainment, travel, shows, and more

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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