Director ( Office of Legal Affairs )

Office of Legal Affairs

Singapore University of Social Sciences, the leading university of lifelong learning and social good, is seeking a senior lawyer to set up a legal office for the University. You will lead, manage and supervise a legal team to ensure the University’s compliance with laws, regulations and policies as well as to provide legal advice to Management, faculty and staff to protect the interests of the University.

This position will report to the Registrar. The role will appeal to qualified lawyers of at least 15 years PQE, who can work steadily and are able to manage both legal and non-legal issues.    

Job Description

• Provide timely legal, compliance and strategic support and advice to Board, senior management, schools, departments and centres that comprise the University;
• Advise, negotiate and collaborate on a variety of University's strategic initiatives, projects, partnerships, including joint university collaborations, procurement contracts, student and associate contracts, employment matters, IT contracts, facility leases, MOUs, LOIs etc.;
• Advise Senior Management on potential legal risks and issues;
• Keep up-to-date with changes in the legal environment and advise the university in a timely manner;
• Develop and maintain relationships with external legal counsels and stakeholders;
• Represent the university in legal matters, manage and oversee court cases, including liaising with external legal counsel;
• Formulate and develop legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance of the University with local laws/regulations and directives of SUSS Management/Board of Trustees;
• Conduct or arrange in-house legal and ethics-related training and education for faculty, staff, associates and students;
• Protect the University’s intellectual property and managing related legal issues;
• Advise and work with the University’s Data Protection Officer to ensure compliance of data protection and governance; and
• Review, draft and negotiate contracts, agreements and legal documents such as:
  • Bank facility documents (including letters of offer, corporate guarantees, personal guarantees, trade facility documentation)
  • Procurement contracts or service agreements with vendor / suppliers
  • Contracts with business partners e.g. academic institutions, government agencies
  • Agreements and other documents relating to gifts, donations, tenancy and development matters and gift receiving units in SUSS

Job Requirements

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Law from a reputable university
• At least 15 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE) in corporate and/or commercial experience at a leading law firm, in-house, or a combination
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to deal with legal and non-legal issues holistically and with a sound level of maturity 
• Well versed in a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, intellectual property and general contract negotiations
• A strong team player with good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently and handle complex transactions
• Regional work experience is a plus