Overview
This role is for an Associate Counsel who will provide comprehensive legal advice across corporate, transactional, regulatory, employment, and ministry-specific matters for a global organization operating in over 100 countries. The position supports legal compliance and integrity while advancing the organization's mission.
Responsibilities
- Independently manage, review, draft, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements including commercial vendor contracts, licensing, sponsorships, marketing, technology and SaaS agreements, real estate transactions, professional services, event and facility use agreements, and cross-border ministry partnership MOUs.
- Structure agreements to protect the organization, reduce risk, and support ministry goals.
- Provide governance support including bylaws, resolutions, consents, and legal entity information.
- Advise on corporate risk management strategies, insurance requirements, and indemnity clauses.
- Provide legal counsel on nonprofit and tax-exempt laws (IRS 501(c)(3), charitable solicitation, UBIT), youth safety and child protection standards, employment and labor law compliance (U.S., Canada, and global), privacy and data protection (GDPR, COPPA, state regulations), fundraising and international giving laws, and global operational restrictions.
- Develop and update policies, compliance frameworks, and training; identify regulatory gaps and advise on organizational risk exposure; ensure compliance with internal policies and ministry standards.
- Support real estate and facility matters including lease negotiations, acquisitions, divestitures, camp and retreat center operations, and event contract compliance.
- Perform additional duties as assigned, potentially including intellectual property, litigation, and campus access issues.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership and departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Technology, Advancement, Field Ministry, International Leadership, Marketing, Support Services, Media, and Strategic Delivery.
- Translate legal requirements into practical guidance aligned with ministry objectives.
- Advise on brand use, advertising standards, content creation, rights management, contracting, vendor management, global risk, entity structuring, compliance, organizational initiatives, and board governance.
Ministerial Duties
- Affirm and abide by the organization's Christian Community Statement and Statement of Faith.
- Maintain consistent spiritual disciplines including daily prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship.
- Model Christlike character, integrity, and biblical conduct.
- Be actively connected to and involved in a local Bible-believing church.
- Provide spiritual encouragement and relational leadership to staff, volunteers, coaches, and athletes.
- Faithfully represent the Christian mission in all interactions and decisions.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; top 35% preferred.
- Active license to practice law in the U.S. with ability to obtain Missouri admission.
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive legal experience in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, nonprofit/tax-exempt law, employment and labor law, and international ministry or cross-border operations.
- Proven ability to serve as a trusted business partner to senior leaders.
- Strong legal judgment, risk analysis, and practical problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, drafting, and negotiation abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple complex matters in a fast-paced, high-trust environment.
- High emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional integrity.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission and biblical values.
Location
This position is eligible for remote work and does not require on-site presence in Kansas City.
Compensation & Benefits
Details regarding compensation and benefits are not specified in the job description.