Executive General Counsel, Higher Education & Strategy

Colorado School of Mines; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health and dental care

Generous sick/vacation time

Fully vested retirement plan on first‑

Tuition benefits for employees

On-campus daycare

Job summary

Colorado School of Mines seeks a General Counsel to serve as chief legal officer, reporting to the President and acting as Secretary to the Board of Trustees. The role leads the Office of Legal Services, directs external counsel, and partners with state and national entities to navigate higher education governance and risk.

The position requires a JD, Colorado Bar admission or eligibility, and 15+ years of senior legal leadership in complex organizations, including governance experience and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.
• Active Colorado State Bar license or eligible for admission within six months of hire.
• 15+ years of progressive experience advising executive leadership in complex organizations.
• Experience serving as or advising a Board of Trustees or governance body.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President, Board of Trustees, and Executive Leadership on legal matters and strategy.
• Lead the Office of Legal Services and manage external counsel.
• Serve as Board Secretary and oversee governance processes.
• Guide regulatory, legislative, and policy strategies impacting the university.
• Oversee institutional litigation and coordinate with state attorneys general and partners.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Governance experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Colorado School of Mines seeks a General Counsel to serve as chief legal officer, reporting to the President and acting as Secretary to the Board of Trustees. The role leads the Office of Legal Services, directs external counsel, and partners with state and national entities to navigate higher education governance and risk.

The position requires a JD, Colorado Bar admission or eligibility, and 15+ years of senior legal leadership in complex organizations, including governance experience and