Vice President, Legal

The Vice President, Legal at Relay Graduate School of Education is responsible for overseeing contract management, compliance, and guiding internal teams on various legal issues. This role entails leading contract operations from preparation to negotiation and maintenance, advising on legal matters related to intellectual property, data privacy, employment law, and more. Additionally, the Vice President must develop innovative legal practices and strategies to enhance the institution's growth and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Candidates for the Vice President, Legal position at Relay Graduate School of Education must possess a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and have at least 8 years of legal practice experience. An active membership in a U.S. state bar is required, and the ability to qualify for New York in-house registration is necessary. Furthermore, a passion for educational equity and experience in negotiating agreements and training staff on legal matters are highly desired.

In the role of Vice President, Legal, you'll play a critical part in advancing Relay Graduate School of Education's mission by ensuring that legal practices align with our goals of promoting educational equity. Your leadership will help mitigate risks, foster compliance, and support development initiatives, all while building a culture where diverse voices are included in decision-making, ultimately benefiting the educators and students we serve.

The Vice President, Legal will address a wide range of legal issues at Relay Graduate School of Education, including but not limited to contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, intellectual property rights, data privacy concerns, and risk management strategies. This role involves actively monitoring disputes to prevent litigation and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective legal operations.

The work environment for the Vice President, Legal at Relay Graduate School of Education is dynamic and flexible, as this role can be performed from various locations within the U.S. Relay fosters a supportive atmosphere where collaboration and innovative problem-solving are encouraged. The Vice President will collaborate with different departments, ensuring that legal considerations are understood and integrated into overall organizational strategy.

In negotiating contracts and agreements, I prioritize clear communication and a collaborative approach. It's essential to understand the needs of all parties involved to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. I focus on preparing thoroughly, researching similar agreements and being ready to propose strategic language that safeguards Relay’s interests while fostering long-term relationships.

Certainly! One example was a contract dispute that involved multiple stakeholders. I initiated a mediation process, ensuring that every party's concerns were heard. I analyzed the contract's terms and used my understanding of regulatory compliance to propose a solution that met legal standards and our organizational goals — successfully resolving the dispute while strengthening relationships between parties.

Fostering a culture of compliance begins with education. I implement training sessions for staff to help them understand legal risks and compliance requirements. I also encourage open dialogue, which allows team members to voice concerns and seek guidance. Regular reviews of compliance policies and procedures ensure everyone is up-to-date with best practices.

I regularly attend industry seminars and webinars and subscribe to legal publications that focus on nonprofit and educational law. Networking with other legal professionals in the sector also helps me stay informed about emerging trends and challenges, ensuring that I can proactively address any potential issues that may arise for Relay.

Collaboration is fundamental in my legal strategy. I believe that working closely with internal departments like HR and operations equips us to address legal matters effectively. Building strong relationships with stakeholders ensures that all legal perspectives are considered in decision-making, fostering a comprehensive approach to achieving organizational objectives.

I have extensive experience in managing the entire contract lifecycle. This includes drafting, negotiating, and revising contracts while ensuring compliance with organizational policies. I've developed standardized templates and checklists that streamline processes, helping to minimize risks and enhance efficiency in contract handling.

When disagreements arise with external counsel, I focus on open communication. I strive to understand their perspectives and address any concerns collaboratively. If necessary, I facilitate discussions to find common ground or seek alternative solutions that align with our objectives while considering the legal implications.

I tailor legal training sessions to be engaging and relatable for non-attorneys by using real-life scenarios and practical examples. My goal is to empower staff to identify potential legal issues and understand the importance of compliance in their roles, which ultimately strengthens our legal framework as an organization.

I'm excited about the unique opportunity to contribute to an organization that is dedicated to educational equity. The ability to craft legal strategies that not only safeguard Relay's interests but also align with its mission is incredibly fulfilling. I'm passionate about creating a culture of compliance and collaboration that empowers educators to make a difference.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I'm proactive about managing deadlines and set clear milestones for projects. Open communication with my team allows us to tackle high-priority issues together, ensuring that we remain aligned with the overall organizational goals while effectively managing our legal responsibilities.