Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel

Overview

A global leader in animal advocacy and protection is seeking a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel to join the Office of General Counsel. This full-time position offers a salary range of $177,000 to $283,200, commensurate with experience, qualifications, skills, training, and education.

The role involves providing leadership within the legal department by supporting legal and governance operations for the organization and its international affiliates. The Deputy General Counsel will work closely with the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer to provide substantive legal advice, oversee legal operations, and contribute to the development of legal strategies and modernization efforts. This includes recommending and collaborating on process improvements, workflow development, and standardization of policies and procedures to strengthen the legal infrastructure.

Additional responsibilities include talent development, training, client engagement, and fostering a legal leadership cohort to promote knowledge sharing. The position also supports efforts to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and aligns with the organization's strategic mission and governance structures, including support for the Board of Directors and related boards.

This position is based in the Washington, DC Metro Area and is eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Manage, advise, and provide legal oversight to in-house lawyers, focusing on legal issues relevant to 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations.
• Set annual goals, oversee development plans, conduct regular check-ins, address performance issues, and conduct annual performance reviews for legal staff.
• Lead succession planning and keep the General Counsel informed about department performance and potential legal risks.
• Supervise key administrative activities and operations, including incorporating legal department operations professionals.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel to develop the department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Assist with budget preparation and refine staffing strategies, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training new personnel.
• Oversee relationships with external counsel, including retention, diversity, billing policies, and pro bono arrangements.
• Manage third-party resources and leverage technology improvements and management systems.
• Develop knowledge management practices, including records retention and document destruction policies.
• Coordinate communications activities such as legal department reports, intranet content, and training resources.
• Recommend and assist in developing legal project management tools.
• Handle general office administration tasks, including space planning.
• Lead the General Counsel’s senior management team, coordinating meetings, retreats, and strategic deliverables.
• Manage non-lawyer staff development and address issues identified through staff satisfaction surveys.
• Support division-wide activities such as staff meetings and recognition events.
• Represent the legal department at organizational meetings and events.
• Recommend and assist in developing legal training programs for internal clients.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in an established law firm, corporation, government, or multilateral agency.
• Proven management experience in a mission-based organization, including staff leadership, strategic planning, and budget oversight.
• Current license in good standing to practice law.
• Experience with tax-exempt organizations, international law, and litigation is a plus.
• Experience supervising other attorneys.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proven expertise in change management.
• Ability to provide accurate, timely, and accessible legal advice tailored to organizational needs.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify underlying legal issues and resolve them strategically and proactively.
• Commitment to supporting the legal department’s contribution to overall organizational performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively across all levels.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence and fosters a positive, inclusive work environment valuing diverse backgrounds and experience levels.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $177,000 – $283,200, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Location

• Washington, DC Metro Area (Remote eligible)

Equal Opportunity

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status, or protected veteran status. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).