Paralegal and Contract Specialist Office of Legal Affairs

JOB SUMMARY

As the University Counsel paralegal, this person assists in protecting the university's legal interests by organizing and analyzing data, drafting common legal instruments, and serving as a central liaison between the OGC, university departments, and external entities. The position demands high-level discretion, deep knowledge of institutional policies, and the ability to process highly confidential information. The individual also manages the lifecycle of institutional, vendor, and academic agreements. The individual collaborates directly with department heads, procurement teams, and the Office of General Counsel to streamline the approval process while maintaining a sharp attention to detail to spot hidden liabilities, missing clauses, and escalation clauses. Additionally, they track active contract drafts to meet crucial deadlines and maintain the institution's secure contract repository.

SALARY INFORMATION

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000. Adelphi University considers factors such as departmental budgets, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. An annual base salary higher than the range may be warranted in circumstances where a candidate has demonstrable equivalent prior higher education experience at another University. Adelphi University provides a comprehensive benefit package for faculty and staff employees. For a list of benefits provided to employees, please click here .

REPORTS TO

University Counsel

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Review contracts in accordance with the university contract review protocols. Identify financial liabilities, indemnification risks, and missing clauses in standard vendor forms. Partner with the Office of General Counsel, Procurement, and faculty to accelerate contract approvals. Maintain the secure institutional contract database and monitor active agreements for renewal or expiration dates. Coordinate and process state public records requests (FOIA), which involves gathering, organizing, and reviewing university records for necessary legal redactions. Assist with administrative charges, gather evidence, draft basic correspondence, and organize witness or exhibit files for hearings. Meticulously maintain the office's digital document management systems, tracking litigation deadlines and updates to the institutional policy library. Perform other job related duties as assigned by the University Counsel.

REQUIREMENTS

(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

Strict Confidentiality & Discretion:

Flawless handling of highly sensitive private student data and legal documentation under FERPA and university standards.

Meticulous Record-Keeping:

Extreme attention to administrative detail to ensure zero gaps or errors in both compliance files and legal agreements.

Interpersonal Collaboration:

Strong communication skills to build professional relationships across completely distinct university departments.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree is required. Experience in high volume, high-stakes higher education administrative support, contract management, or student affairs. Minimum of three years of active, operational experience in a legal environment. Proven history of successfully collaborating with multi-department stakeholders (such as Public Safety, Residential Life and Housing, Procurement, and Legal counsel). Certified experience managing highly confidential student or legal files with zero security breaches.

ABOUT ADELPHI

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four—Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university, serving more than 7,300 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, at learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online. The University offers students 72 undergraduate programs and 92 master's degree and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and professional training. With powerful partnerships throughout the New York area, more than 123,000 graduates across the country, a growing enrollment of students from 44 states and 63 countries, and rising rankings from top publications and organizations, Adelphi is a dynamic community that plays a leadership role on Long Island and in the region. Back Share Apply Now