Assistant/Associate General Counsel (Labor and Employment)

Simmons University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partial remote work

Job summary

Simmons University seeks an Assistant/Associate General Counsel to provide legal counsel on labor relations and employment matters, serving as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel and senior university leadership.

The role handles collective bargaining issues, employment law, investigations, and governance support, with the opportunity for partial remote work and on-campus presence as needed. An established record of sound judgment and complex problem solving is essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and in good standing where licensed.
• 4–8 years of labor and employment experience, including labor relations.
• Strong judgment, analytical skills, and the ability to work with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, administer, interpret, and enforce the University’s two CBAs; devise strategies for negotiations.
• Advise managers and senior administrators on labor issues.
• Manage labor grievances and maintain relationships with Union leadership.
• Provide counsel on employment law, hiring, discipline, terminations, and related matters.
• Assist governance matters and provide training on compliance issues.

Skills

Legal analysis

Communication

Judgment

Project management

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices- at all levels, for all positions- ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Simmons University is seeking applications to join the Office of the General Counsel as an Assistant/Associate General Counsel (“AGC”). The selected candidate will be appointed at the Assistant or Associate General Counsel level based on their qualifications and relevant experience. Simmons is looking for an experienced attorney to provide legal counsel and support on the wide range of legal issues facing an institution of higher education, particularly in the areas of labor relations and employment. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience analyzing complex legal issues and offering appropriate guidance; exercising excellent judgment; using exceptional communication skills; and handling multiple matters simultaneously while working independently to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the University. This individual will be expected to provide timely and comprehensive legal advice to a range of constituencies, including the University President and senior administrators, the Board of Trustees, and University faculty and staff. The successful candidate is person will serve as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel. This position reports directly to the General Counsel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key responsibilities, include, but are not limited to the following:

Negotiate, administer, interpret, and enforce the University’s two collective bargaining agreements; devise and implement strategies for effective negotiations.

Advise managers, supervisors, and senior administrators regarding labor issues.

Manage labor grievances.

Develop and maintain relationships with Union leadership.

Develop, train and provide instruction necessary to support the University’s labor relations objectives and ensure the fair, consistent and efficient administration of its collective bargaining agreements.

Serve as lead negotiator or counsel in collective bargaining and labor-management committee matters.

Prepare and manage University responses and other filings in agency matters and matters in court.

Represent the University before administrative and governmental agencies, and in court proceedings, and hire and manage outside counsel where appropriate and assist with legal and litigation strategy.

Provide counsel and investigation support on employment law matters, including but not limited to: hiring practices, employee and labor relations, disciplinary actions, terminations, intellectual property, threats of litigation, and employee benefits.

Conduct investigations and make recommendations relating to claims of unlawful conduct.

Maintain a current understanding of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations that apply to the University and higher education, interpret the application of such laws and regulations, and educate other members of the University community about them.

Work with the General Counsel and Secretary to the Board to provide support for the operations of the Simmons University Board of Trustees, including advising on governance matters.

Assist with policy and procedure review and revisions, and create new policies and procedures as needed.

Develop and provide training on various legal and compliance issues.

Advise on a wide range of student matters, including areas such as: disability and religious accommodations, Title IX, FERPA, academic integrity, and behavioral/code of conduct issues.

Handle other legal matters and perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in accordance with Massachusetts state bar requirements.
• Must be a member in good standing of all state bars where licensed to practice law.
• 4-8 years of relevant labor and employment experience with either a law firm or in-house legal department, including at least 4 years of experience handling labor relations-related matters.
• The ability to address complex legal issues with sound judgment and strong analytical skills, while keeping the University’s strategic plan and goals in mind.
• A demonstrated capacity to work with confidence with senior leaders of the University. This includes the ability to build trust and credibility with University leaders and operate in a highly professional and collegial manner.
• A proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously under pressure, while prioritizing accordingly and always exercising excellent judgment.
• Exceptional judgment, which includes exercising confidentiality and discretion and practicing law in a manner that reflects honesty, integrity, and reliability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working within an institution of higher education.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional evening, holiday, or weekend work required. Position is eligible for partial remote work, subject to business needs requiring on-campus presence. Occasional travel for legal matters, as needed. Typical office environment, minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Long periods of sitting at a desk and making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to type, write, file, perform clerical tasks, and/or operate a computer and/or mobile device. Position requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Ability to lift up to 10 pounds, and ability to carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Standing/remaining upright on the feet periodically. Walking/moving about on feet to accomplish tasks.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

TARGETED HIRING RANGE

• Assistant- $120,000 - $140,000
• Associate- $150,000 - $180,000

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is: S12$105,800.00 - $180,000.00 This is a benefits-eligible position. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.