Position: Senior Director, Legal Counsel
Reports to: SVP, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer
Contract-to-Hire Position
Pay Rate: $50/hour
Schedule: Hybrid – 3 days in office every 2 weeks
Base pay range
$50.00/hr – $55.00/hr
Organization Summary
Our client is a nonprofit mobilizing people and organizations to eradicate barriers and create opportunities that improve the lives of low‑income New Yorkers. One of the world's most recognized charitable brands, we envision caring communities in which all individuals and families have access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives. We strive to model our values: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.
Position Description
The Senior Director of Legal Counsel will report directly to the SVP, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer (CLAO) and will assist with the overall management of all the legal and operational affairs of the organization. This position is engaged with Board governance and has frequent interactions with the organization’s executive team and external partners.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Advise CLAO, senior management and others within the organization on nonprofit corporate, compliance, intellectual property, governance, benefits, litigation, and employment law issues;
- Support CLAO by handling various day‑to‑day legal matters and providing advice across the organization. This includes reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts such as sponsorship agreements, grant agreements, non‑disclosure agreements, consulting agreements, licenses, releases, and advising senior management on related issues;
- Assist CLAO in ensuring organizational compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including lobbying, regulatory and public policy matters, and laws relating to charitable solicitations in New York State and nationally;
- Advise on risk management practice, liability, and insurance matters;
- Prepare materials for Board and committee meetings. Partner with CLAO on management of Board and related committees;
- Review and/or prepare for filing various financial reporting documents, such as the Form 990 and state registration forms, filings related to lobbying compliance, filings related to governmental pre‑qualifications and filings due to watchdog agencies such as the Better Business Bureau;
- Develop and deliver trainings and workshops for staff;
- Monitor and advise the CLAO and others on legislative developments related to nonprofit organizations, including human resources and benefits‑related legislation;
- Assist on special projects with the CLAO, other members of the executive team, and across the organization.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- J.D. degree from an ABA accredited U.S. law school;
- Admitted to practice law in New York State;
- Ideally a mix of corporate, nonprofit, and government experience with a demonstrated interest in public interest law;
- Significant experience in contract drafting and negotiation, and experience addressing legal issues related to nonprofit governance, grantmaking, fundraising, risk management, advocacy, and government contracting;
- Excellent analytical, drafting, negotiation, research and oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to provide sound legal advice, develop creative solutions, and exercise sound business judgment;
- Track record of demonstrating professional judgment and discretion in serving multiple teams and senior managers in a diverse and multi‑faced organization;
- Exceptional initiative and proven ability to work efficiently and effectively in a collegial and fast‑paced environment.
Key Competencies
- Collaboration;
- Accountability;
- Integrity;
- Effective & Engaging Communicator;
- Planning & Execution;
- Business Acumen & Strategic Direction.