Chief Legal Counsel

Overview

This role is for a Chief General Counsel (CGC) who will serve as the principal legal authority and trusted strategic advisor to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors of a national racial justice organization. The CGC will build and lead the legal function from the ground up, establishing infrastructure to protect advocacy efforts, personnel, funding, and public integrity. The position involves ownership of enterprise legal strategy across governance, compliance, labor, risk management, and contracts.

Responsibilities

Executive Legal Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Translate complex legal risks into practical guidance that supports bold, values-driven advocacy.
• Act as a core thought partner during crises and high-stakes decision-making.

Governance & Compliance

• Oversee compliance for affiliated 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws, including lobbying and political activity regulations.
• Lead Form 990 governance reviews and charitable registration oversight.

Grant, Funder & Financial Compliance

• Collaborate with Finance and Development teams to ensure compliance with grant terms and use-of-funds requirements.
• Prepare the organization for audits, funder diligence, and regulatory reviews.

Employment & Labor Law

• Provide strategic counsel on workplace policies, investigations, and personnel matters.
• Partner with People & Culture on labor relations and union engagement.

Contracts & Legal Operations

• Draft and negotiate vendor agreements, partnerships, data/technology agreements, and fiscal sponsorships.
• Build and manage a high-performing external counsel network.
• Implement scalable legal operations systems.

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior legal experience, ideally as a General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.
• Deep experience in nonprofit governance, advocacy environments, or highly regulated sectors.
• Strong background in employment law and labor relations preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.

Preferred Characteristics

• Builder mindset with the ability to design scalable systems in a fast-moving environment.
• Calm and decisive leadership under pressure.
• Executive presence comfortable advising Boards and C-suite leaders.
• Strategic risk-taker balancing legal compliance with advocacy urgency.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Reports directly to the President & CEO.
• Acts as an enterprise-wide executive partner and will determine future legal staffing needs.
• Collaborates closely with Finance, Development, People & Culture, and Campaign teams.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid family leave.

Location & Work Environment

This is a remote-first position with collaboration via video, email, and chat. Periodic travel to New York City for leadership and Board engagements is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The organization is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.