Overview
A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring rivers is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their legal team. This senior director-level position reports to the General Counsel and is preferably based in the Washington, DC area. The role involves providing legal advice and support to the organization and its affiliated 501(c)(4) and potentially other tax-exempt entities.
Responsibilities
- Provide accurate and timely legal counsel to executives and management on a wide range of issues including contracts, employment, partnerships, corporate finance, and compliance.
- Focus on legal matters related to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations, ensuring adherence to permissible collaborations, financial separations, and reporting requirements.
- Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents such as inter-organizational agreements, memoranda of understanding, and shared service contracts.
- Lead legal review of joint projects, advocacy campaigns, fundraising efforts, and resource-sharing arrangements to prevent impermissible subsidization or commingling of activities.
- Develop and implement internal governance policies and monitor compliance with these policies and applicable laws.
- Conduct legal research and risk assessments related to organizational decisions, offering proactive solutions to minimize exposure.
- Monitor and facilitate mission-related litigation, collaborating with staff, board committees, declarants, and outside counsel.
- Support the General Counsel in managing third-party disputes and internal litigation.
- Manage transactional risk, vendor performance, project-life bonding, and insurance.
- Assist with preparation, review, and management of programmatic project documents including contracts, RFPs, and bid evaluations.
- Stay informed of changes in local, state, and federal laws and integrate relevant updates into organizational operations.
- Advise the board and staff on conflict-of-interest policies, ensuring transparency and alignment with fiduciary responsibilities.
- Support protection of intellectual property including trademarks and copyrights.
- Provide legal guidance and training on data privacy laws, develop and maintain privacy policies, manage privacy risks, and lead incident response efforts.
- Coordinate and manage relationships with external counsel and regulatory authorities as needed.
- Assist with preparations for board and committee meetings.
- Mentor and train Legal Interns.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 5 years practicing as an attorney, preferably with experience in law firms, government, nonprofit, or public sectors.
- Demonstrated experience advising 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations, including knowledge of permissible advocacy and lobbying activities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
- High ethical standards, sound judgment, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Experience supporting a General Counsel’s office or legal department is highly valued.
- Knowledge of federal regulatory compliance (e.g., OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, Federal Election Commission regulations) and/or construction law is preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Slack; familiarity with Intacct and project management software is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $120,063 - $146,696 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
- Employer contributes 3% to retirement plan after one year of service; employees are 100% vested upon participation.
- Paid time off includes four weeks of leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.
Location
Preferred location is near the Washington, DC headquarters, but candidates from states where the organization currently operates will be considered. Occasional regional and national travel may be required.
Additional Information
- The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Equal opportunity employer encouraging candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
- Application deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026.