General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer

Overview

The organization is seeking a General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer to serve as the primary legal advisor and corporate secretary to the Board of Directors. This senior executive role reports directly to the President and CEO and provides enterprise-wide legal leadership across a global portfolio of programs and operations. The position supports governance, risk management, compliance, and legal affairs for a nonprofit focused on international education and intercultural exchange.

This role requires approximately 15% domestic and international travel to support operations, board meetings, partner engagement, and leadership initiatives. A valid passport must be maintained at all times.

Responsibilities

Strategic Legal Leadership

• Serve as chief legal advisor to the President and CEO and provide practical, business-oriented legal counsel to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Advise on legal matters affecting domestic and international operations, including nonprofit governance, employment, regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, international activities, and risk management.
• Support strategic initiatives such as partnerships, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and new business opportunities.
• Oversee litigation, claims management, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Manage the legal department budget and relationships with external counsel to ensure cost-effective legal services.
• Monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments impacting higher education, international education, nonprofit organizations, exchange programs, data privacy, and global operations.

Governance & Board Relations

• Act as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, supporting board operations including meeting planning, governance records, policies, and corporate actions.
• Advise leadership and the board on best practices in corporate governance, nonprofit compliance, conflicts of interest, related-party transactions, policies, and fiduciary obligations.
• Ensure governance practices align with organizational needs and evolving nonprofit laws and standards.

Global Operations Support

• Provide legal oversight and guidance related to international centers, foreign entities, partnerships, and activities.
• Develop legal strategy and ensure compliance for global operations including study abroad, exchange, and educational programs.
• Navigate complex international legal frameworks including regulatory, immigration, tax, data privacy, employment, and contractual matters.
• Monitor and mitigate cross-border risks while enabling program growth and innovation.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Lead enterprise compliance programs and support risk management initiatives.
• Oversee conflict-of-interest administration and governance compliance processes.
• Promote ethical business practices and a culture of accountability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant U.S. and international laws and regulations.
• Support internal investigations and compliance reviews.
• Advise on cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, technology governance, and related regulatory developments.
• Collaborate with technology and operational leaders to manage technology-related risks.

Contracts & Transactions

• Oversee drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, partnerships, and strategic agreements.
• Advise on corporate transactions, joint ventures, and international partnerships.

Leadership & Operations

• Build, lead, and mentor an effective legal team including internal and external counsel.
• Manage legal budget and outside counsel relationships.
• Foster a culture of legal awareness, ethics, and accountability across the organization.

Requirements

Experience & Credentials

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar in good standing.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive legal experience including senior leadership roles advising boards and executive leadership.
• Expertise in nonprofit governance and compliance, corporate law, risk management, data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging regulatory issues.
• Extensive experience with international operations, programs, or global regulatory environments.
• Ability to maintain a valid passport and clear background check for international visa requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to balance legal risk with organizational objectives.
• Self-starter capable of operating independently in a global environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Experience advising senior executives and boards of directors.
• Experience managing outside counsel and complex legal matters.

Preferred Experience

• Prior service as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy/Associate Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, or equivalent senior leadership role.
• Experience supporting international organizations, educational institutions, foundations, associations, or globally operating nonprofits.
• Familiarity with nonprofit tax-exempt rules, executive compensation, intermediate sanctions, conflict of interest administration, immigration law, cross-border legal issues, and governance frameworks addressing emerging technologies.
• Experience interacting with federal agencies, regulators, and government stakeholders.
• Experience supporting enterprise risk management, governance modernization, and board development initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Trusted advisor with strong executive presence.
• Hard-working, resilient, and adaptable in a dynamic global environment.
• Mission-aligned with commitment to intercultural exchange and education.
• Collaborative leader and team player with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach.

Compensation & Benefits

The organization offers a competitive total rewards package for U.S. employees, including:

• Paid time off and parental leave
• Gym reimbursement program
• Employee assistance program
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Six floating Fridays (subject to eligibility)
• Study abroad program discounts
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Insurance coverage including life, travel, medical, dental, and vision
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Voluntary benefits such as identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness coverage

Location

This is a U.S. remote position requiring the ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 15% of the time.