Associate General Counsel, Advocacy and Political Law

Overview

This role is part of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and reports to the Deputy General Counsel. The Associate General Counsel, Advocacy and Political Law, helps ensure the National Office complies with applicable laws and regulations governing exempt organizations, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 527 organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise and advise National Office staff on legal and regulatory requirements, including:
  • Federal and state tax-exempt status
  • Governance
  • Charitable solicitation laws
  • Advocacy and political work for 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 527 organizations
• Ensure the National Office conducts business in compliance with applicable exempt organization laws and regulations, including:
  • Tax
  • Campaign finance
  • Lobbying disclosure requirements
  • Gift and ethics rules
  • Fundraising
• Educate and train National Office staff and senior leadership on legal risks and obligations related to:
  • U.S. tax-exempt organization frameworks
  • Advocacy and campaign finance laws
  • Communications law
  • Nonprofit governance
• Collaborate with fundraising staff to support compliance with:
  • Charitable solicitation registration requirements
  • Gift acceptance policies
  • Federal and state fundraising regulations
• Advise on nonprofit accounting matters, including:
  • Fund accounting principles
  • Revenue recognition for grants and contributions
  • Cost allocation methodologies
  • Legal and tax implications of financial reporting obligations for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities
• Participate in the definition, assessment, and/or development of corporate policies, procedures, and programs
• Assist in the selection, retention, management, and supervision of outside counsel as necessary
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the SVP and General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels

Engagement

• Work closely with senior leadership, subject matter specialists, supervising attorneys, and governance experts within the OGC
• Build collaborative partnerships to improve effectiveness, maintain legal compliance, and mitigate risk
• Coordinate with outside counsel and other external parties on exempt organization tax compliance, fundraising, lobbying, and campaign finance issues
• Serve as a principal attorney for several internal client teams, including External Affairs, Finance, and Development

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school required
• Bar Admission: Eligible to practice in New York or Washington, DC required
• Expertise in exempt-organization tax matters and campaign finance laws required

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum seven years as a practicing attorney in the legal frameworks governing:
  • U.S. tax-exempt organizations
  • Advocacy and campaign finance laws
  • Communications law
  • Nonprofit governance
• Experience as in-house counsel or as an attorney for a relevant regulator
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and charitable solicitation law
• General knowledge of other legal frameworks applicable to the National Office, including intellectual property law and contract law

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to think strategically and creatively about legal and business issues
• Ability to provide sound business advice and first-rate legal counsel to partners at all levels, including executive team and senior leaders
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Ability to develop strong collaborative relationships with fellow attorneys, staff, and clients
• Demonstrated ability to exercise agility, adaptability, and practicality in providing legal advice
• Excellent judgment and proven experience analyzing risks and making risk determinations
• Commitment to providing professional and timely legal advice and services
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex legal concepts into accessible language
• Ability to excel under pressure in a fast-paced, innovative, and rapidly changing environment while maintaining and developing strong collaborative relationships

Compensation & Benefits

• $160,000 - $190,000 a year

Location & Travel

• Travel: 0-10% domestic travel

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer participates in the E-Verify program and is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory work environment.