Job Overview: 

States United is hiring a General Counsel, a senior attorney, to oversee the organization’s internal legal matters. Reporting directly to and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s compliance with laws governing nonprofits, contracts, professional responsibility and ethics, state gift rules, state public records laws, lobbying and IRS rules, and 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) regulations. The General Counsel will also be responsible for anticipating and mitigating legal risks that could affect the organization’s operations, reputation, and/or ability to fulfill our mission, and will assist the COO in overseeing organizational policies and internal controls. 

This role requires a proactive approach to risk management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle a broad range of legal matters relevant to the organization’s operations. The successful candidate will have sound business judgment, excellent communication skills, and the proven ability to lead with initiative and work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. 

Responsibilities: 

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United’s values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to the COO and Executive team on legal and regulatory matters that impact our work.
• Identify, research, implement and oversee policies to address potential organizational risks.
• Ensure that the organization is in compliance with all professional responsibility requirements associated with delivering legal services.
• Draft and review agreements and retention letters that support litigation and other direct legal services; provide guidance on questions regarding conflicts and privilege.
• Ensure compliance with IRS 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations, including the interplay between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entity compliance and governance, lobbying and advocacy restrictions, state charitable registration requirements, grant conditions, and applicable local and federal laws that impact the organization.
• Serve as a liaison with outside compliance, ethics, and employment counsel to ensure the quality of legal services delivered to the organization.
• Continuously monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting the organization.
• Maintain policy library for the organization.
• Help develop and manage a robust collection of templates for commonly used legal documents and agreements.
• Implement standardized procedures to ensure consistent and compliant legal practices throughout the organization.
• Assist COO on employment law, HR issues and policy compliance and workplace practices.
• Advise COO on liability and insurance matters, working with external brokers to determine appropriate insurance liability.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum 12-15 years of legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role, preferably in a General Counsel or legal counsel role at a nonprofit organization or state government.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit and tax law, professional liability rules for attorneys, employment law, and laws affecting advocacy, lobbying and political activity.
• Experience working on organizational risk assessments.
• Demonstrated experience supervising outside counsel and/or junior attorneys, preferably in a nonprofit or government setting. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Outstanding judgment about legal issues, project management/organizational issues, professional demeanor, and client service.
• Outstanding communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.
• Must be able to commit to working East Coast hours.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary for this position is $200,000+ commensurate to experience.
• Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

We have offices located in Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply