General Counsel

Who is JTS

JTS is a preeminent institution of Jewish higher education, training thoughtful, innovative leaders—rabbis, cantors, educators, lay leaders, and scholars—who strengthen our communities with a vision of Judaism that is deeply grounded in the Jewish past and thoroughly engaged with contemporary society. JTS also provides high-caliber lifelong learning and professional development to our alumni, adult learners, and Jewish communities throughout North America. Through its Library, JTS preserves and makes accessible to students and scholars throughout the world the greatest collection of Judaica in the Western Hemisphere.

Description of Position

The General Counsel ("GC") is the chief legal officer of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America . The GC advises JTS's Chancellor, administration, and staff and also serves as the principal legal advisor and assistant secretary to the Board. The GC reports to the Vice Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer. The GC is responsible for a wide range of legal, regulatory, compliance, insurance and risk management matters. The GC has confidential access to the Cabinet (senior management) and the Board of Trustees and provides them with legal advice and counsel on legal and governance issues, institutional concerns and any other matters that they or the GC deem appropriate.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Board governance issues and Board committee matters, including preparation of trustee materials, resolutions, and minutes.
• Advise the Institute Advancement Department regarding gifts, estates, and trusts;
• Student matters, including Title IX and other disciplinary matters, housing issues, accessibility, and other matters that impact campus operations
• Faculty and staff matters, including employment, accommodation, and tenure issues
• Prepare, review and negotiate contracts, leases and other documents relating to all transactions to which JTS is a party
• Intellectual property, including protection and licensing of JTS copyrights and trademarks;
• Compliance with governmental regulations at all levels;
• Advise on and update institutional policies as needed
• General corporate governance and issues;
• Risk and litigation management
• Management of outside legal resources
• International compliance and regulatory matters for all affiliate organizations

Minimum Requirements:

A law degree from an accredited law school, a member in good standing of a stare bar, at least seven (7) years experience, a strategic thinker with common sense and demonstrated leadership in the handling of varied legal work. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, patience, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to urgent matters are all required. Experience working with administrators in the ongoing daily activities of a college or nonprofit organization, knowledge of litigation practice and a sense of humor are all pluses. JTS encourages diversity, and qualified applicants from all backgrounds are welcomed. The General Counsel position requires a background check before hiring.

Salary: $200,00 (Commensurate with experience)

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by February 5th Candidates should provide a resume; a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above; and the names and contact information of three references. This search will be conducted with great respect for confidentiality, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to No telephone calls, please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $200,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person