Associate General Counsel

JOB TITLE

Associate General Counsel

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Office of the General Counsel

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

Job Description Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (“WPI”) seeks a collaborative, solutions-driven, and detail-oriented attorney to join the Office of the General Counsel. The position will report directly to the Vice President and General Counsel. The successful candidate will be a generalist attorney providing day-to-day advice to university clients on a broad range of matters related to litigation and dispute resolution, policymaking, compliance, contract review and negotiation, labor and employment, student affairs, research and intellectual property, and federal and state regulatory issues.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a premier R1 research university known for its pioneering project-based learning approach. Our campus features advanced research laboratories in biotechnology, robotics, cybersecurity, and materials science, alongside modern academic buildings and residential facilities. WPI's hands-on educational model creates unique safety considerations across our diverse research and learning environments.

Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Provide timely legal advice, counsel, and representation to faculty, staff, and employees regarding state and federal laws, regulations, university business matters, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts related to various university projects, research, partnerships, governmental and commercial entities; and technology licensing agreements.
• Identify the need for institutional policy development and participate in policymaking to safeguard and advance university interests.
• Advise on institutional risk management, including legal assessment of operational, reputational, and compliance risks. Oversee the University’s insurance program.
• Advise and assist on employment disputes, faculty and staff conduct matters, and internal investigations, including complaint resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy compliance in alignment with university procedures and applicable laws.
• Provide legal guidance on intellectual property matters arising from university research activities, including patent protection, copyright, trademarks, and licensing agreements. Partner closely with faculty, researchers, and technology transfer to facilitate innovation, compliance, and effective commercialization.
• Advise on compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting higher education, including Title IX, FERPA, ADA, and the Clery Act. Monitor the evolving landscape of applicable federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  
  

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited school.
• Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and in good standing of all state bars where licensed to practice law.
• Minimum of four years of experience post J.D., preferably involving higher education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, negotiation skills, and an ability to learn new areas quickly. High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to identify and address complicated and sensitive problems across a broad range of substantive areas with creativity and professional discretion and judgment.
• Interest in and capacity to learn new areas of law related to higher education.
  
  

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.