Open Society Foundations
Lead Legal Counsel, Tax-Exempt Organizations
Open Society Foundations, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Lead Legal Counsel, Tax-Exempt Organizations
Open Society Foundations invites applications for the
Lead Legal Counsel, Tax-Exempt Organizations
role.
Role Details
Contract Type:
Regular
Reporting To:
Director, Strategic Philanthropy
Department:
Office of General Counsel
Location:
New York or Washington, D.C.
Team:
Strategic Philanthropy
Role Purpose The Lead Legal Counsel provides advice on OSF’s core legal and regulatory issues—including charitability, fundability, lobbying, political activity, and mission‑related investments—in relation to grant making, impact investing, and advocacy. The Lead Legal Counsel serves as the primary expert on legal requirements for US private foundations critical to OSF’s network and acts as an advisory partner for business units involved in grantmaking or advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Work with the Director for Strategic Philanthropy on strategy for legal support across OSF’s global network, including leading, developing, and managing attorneys and other legal professionals.
Advise on charitable, social welfare and exempt organization law, including compliance with US tax laws and regulations applicable to private foundations.
Advise on international and domestic grant making, advocacy, and other strategic interventions requiring coordinated inputs.
Advise on development and implementation of organisational policies such as global grant making and advocacy process design.
Represent OGC in interdepartmental efforts, such as network‑wide policy and planning committees.
Advise on transactions including grants, service agreements, consultancies, commercial contracts, licences, and software agreements.
Contribute to developing and maintaining OGC know‑how, templates, technology solutions and other key enablers.
Engage and instruct external counsel when needed and coordinate advice to ensure fit for the organization.
Work cross‑cutting with generalist attorneys across OGC, sharing workload within and between divisions.
Qualifications
Law degree from an accredited university.
Admission to practice law in the United States.
Minimum 8 years post‑qualification experience at a law firm and/or in‑house, emphasizing tax‑exempt charitable organization law and US private foundation law.
Extensive drafting and negotiating experience, with keen attention to detail and excellent follow‑through.
Experience leading, developing, and managing lawyers and other legal professionals.
Experience advising senior leadership of a large, complex, international organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate legal and strategic advice to non‑law stakeholders, including in a virtual environment.
Practical, business‑oriented problem‑solving approach with appreciation for legal complexity and risk.
Creative thinking, strong judgment, analytical skills, integrity and the ability to work under pressure and handle confidential matters.
Ability to build relationships and manage inter‑ and intra‑organizational relationships in complex environments.
Travel required; frequency depends on role requirements.
Benefits
Generous annual professional development allowance for every employee.
Onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer‑paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families.
Non‑contributory retirement savings plan and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family‑planning support.
Commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Who We Are Open Society Foundations aims to establish vibrant, inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. We organize grantmaking around specific, time‑limited projects, supporting established partners and responding swiftly to emerging needs. Our mission is to promote human dignity, equality, and rights, advancing equity in governance systems.
Additional Information Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We actively seek applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity OSF is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Legal Counsel, Tax-Exempt Organizations
role.
Role Details
Contract Type:
Regular
Reporting To:
Director, Strategic Philanthropy
Department:
Office of General Counsel
Location:
New York or Washington, D.C.
Team:
Strategic Philanthropy
Role Purpose The Lead Legal Counsel provides advice on OSF’s core legal and regulatory issues—including charitability, fundability, lobbying, political activity, and mission‑related investments—in relation to grant making, impact investing, and advocacy. The Lead Legal Counsel serves as the primary expert on legal requirements for US private foundations critical to OSF’s network and acts as an advisory partner for business units involved in grantmaking or advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Work with the Director for Strategic Philanthropy on strategy for legal support across OSF’s global network, including leading, developing, and managing attorneys and other legal professionals.
Advise on charitable, social welfare and exempt organization law, including compliance with US tax laws and regulations applicable to private foundations.
Advise on international and domestic grant making, advocacy, and other strategic interventions requiring coordinated inputs.
Advise on development and implementation of organisational policies such as global grant making and advocacy process design.
Represent OGC in interdepartmental efforts, such as network‑wide policy and planning committees.
Advise on transactions including grants, service agreements, consultancies, commercial contracts, licences, and software agreements.
Contribute to developing and maintaining OGC know‑how, templates, technology solutions and other key enablers.
Engage and instruct external counsel when needed and coordinate advice to ensure fit for the organization.
Work cross‑cutting with generalist attorneys across OGC, sharing workload within and between divisions.
Qualifications
Law degree from an accredited university.
Admission to practice law in the United States.
Minimum 8 years post‑qualification experience at a law firm and/or in‑house, emphasizing tax‑exempt charitable organization law and US private foundation law.
Extensive drafting and negotiating experience, with keen attention to detail and excellent follow‑through.
Experience leading, developing, and managing lawyers and other legal professionals.
Experience advising senior leadership of a large, complex, international organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate legal and strategic advice to non‑law stakeholders, including in a virtual environment.
Practical, business‑oriented problem‑solving approach with appreciation for legal complexity and risk.
Creative thinking, strong judgment, analytical skills, integrity and the ability to work under pressure and handle confidential matters.
Ability to build relationships and manage inter‑ and intra‑organizational relationships in complex environments.
Travel required; frequency depends on role requirements.
Benefits
Generous annual professional development allowance for every employee.
Onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer‑paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families.
Non‑contributory retirement savings plan and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family‑planning support.
Commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Who We Are Open Society Foundations aims to establish vibrant, inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. We organize grantmaking around specific, time‑limited projects, supporting established partners and responding swiftly to emerging needs. Our mission is to promote human dignity, equality, and rights, advancing equity in governance systems.
Additional Information Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We actively seek applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity OSF is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr