GENERAL COUNSEL - General Counsel

Job Classification

  

Position summary

Andrews University seeks a highly experienced and mission-aligned attorney to serve as General Counsel. The General Counsel is the University’s chief legal officer, responsible for managing and overseeing all legal affairs of the institution. Reporting directly to the President, the General Counsel advises the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and administrative units on a broad range of legal issues affecting the University’s operations, strategic initiatives, and compliance obligations.

Qualifications summary

Must be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in good standing and demonstrate exceptional legal acumen, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the values and mission of Andrews University.

Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter describing interest and alignment with the mission of Andrews University


• A current resume or curriculum vitae


• Contact information for at least three professional references

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Advice and Risk Management
  
  
  
  
  • Provide proactive and strategic legal advice to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior administration.
  
  
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage legal risks across all areas of the University’s operations.
  
  
  • Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements (e.g., real estate, software, research, donor agreements, and academic affiliations).
  
  
  
  


• Compliance and Governance
  
  
  
  • Ensure institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations (e.g., Title IX, Title VII, Title VI, Title III, FERPA, Clery Act, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, ADEA, IRS, DOE).
  
  
  • Support Board governance, including preparation of resolutions, bylaws, and corporate filings.
  
  
  • Serve as liaison with external regulatory bodies and legal counsel as needed.
  
  
  
  


• Employment and Student Affairs
  
  
  
  • Advise on employment law, employee relations, grievance proceedings, discipline, Title VII and Title IX investigations, and faculty governance matters.
  
  
  • Oversee legal matters involving student discipline, grievances, disabilities, and privacy rights.
  
  
  
  


• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  
  
  
  • Manage and coordinate the University’s response to litigation, administrative proceedings, and internal investigations.
  
  
  • Retain, manage, and evaluate outside counsel services as needed.
  
  
  
  


• Policy and Training
  
  
  
  • Assist with drafting and updating University policies, procedures, and handbooks.
  
  
  • Deliver legal training to administrators, faculty, and staff on key issues such as risk mitigation, discrimination and harassment prevention, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
  
  
  
  


• Institutional Mission
  
  
  
  • Ensure that all legal practices support and align with the University’s mission, values, and Seventh-day Adventist identity.
  
  
  • Engage in thoughtful, ethical decision-making that reflects Christian principles and service to others.
  
  
  
  

Supervisory responsibilities

May inlcude some supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

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


• Active membership in good standing with a state bar, with eligibility to practice in Michigan or obtain admission within one year.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, ideally including higher education or nonprofit law.


• Demonstrated expertise in relevant areas of law, such as employment, education, contracts, governance, Title IX, and regulatory compliance.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.


• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.


• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.


• Commitment to the mission and values of Andrews University and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as in-house counsel or general counsel in higher education.


• Familiarity with Seventh-day Adventist education systems, denominational governance, or other faith-based institutional structures.


• Experience working with boards of trustees or governing bodies.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

Ability to use technology including email, spreadsheets and other applicable software programs.

Interpersonal interactions

Must be have excellant written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.

Physical demands

Normal office expectations, including being able to lift 15 lbs.

Work environment

Typical office environement.