Description:
The Opportunity:The Assistant General Counsel will report to the Chief Legal Officer and will be a member of the Legal & Compliance (L&C Team). The Assistant GC will work closely with various CEO teams, advising primarily on labor, employment, benefits and related matters. The Assistant GC supports program operations, drafts and/or reviews relevant organizational policies, supports regulatory compliance, and provides staff training in these areas. Work is carried out both independently and in conjunction with the rest of the Legal & Compliance Team.
CEO's Staff Vaccination Policy
CEO has implemented an org-wide vaccination requirement that requires all new staff to be fully vaccinated before their first day of work. We have made this decision for the safety of our participants and employees and to enhance our ability to continue to provide the vital services we offer to our participants. As part of the onboarding process, new hires will be asked to submit proof of vaccination status prior to their first day of employment.
If you are unable to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, you can request a reasonable accommodation. An interactive meeting will be scheduled to discuss your request.
CEO does not discriminate against individuals with actual or perceived infection with COVID19 or based on an actual or perceived history of such infection nor based on any protected status.
Who We Are:
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people with recent criminal convictions. Across the United States, over 6,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.
What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 25,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996. Since 2009, CEO has gained support to expand its programs through government, nonprofit, and private organizations including the Federal Social Innovation Fund, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, Robin Hood Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. In 2016, CEO embarked on a 5-year strategic plan to grow to serve 9,000 participants annually.
Who You Are:
- You have Two to five years of law firm and/or in-house experience (or equivalent); experience working within nonprofit organization preferred
- You have a J.D. from an accredited law school
- You are admitted to practice in the state in which the candidate is located (New York State or California heavily preferred)
- You are a team player with practical approach to problem-solving tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk
- You have superior organizational and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to listen effectively
- You have integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters
- You take initiative, creative thinker with strong judgment and analytical skills
- You are a strong communicator (verbal and written) with experience building relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders and supporters
- You are able to work under pressure, manage workload, prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines, and maintain a sense of humor within fast-paced environment
Major Responsibilities:
Legal Counsel
- Provide general legal advice to program staff, with a focus on employment law and other legal and regulatory issues including but not limited to disputes, questions about policy or the law, terminations, releases, leave and disability, compensation,and performance related matters
- Stay abreast of changes in employment laws in CEO jurisdictions and draft policies and correspondence for staff regarding any such changes
- Work closely with Employee Relations Team to address employee issues and concerns as well as accommodations requests
- Specifically advise and assist on wage and hour compliance across all CEO sites, including through work with Operations, Payroll and program teams
- Lead manage employment-related litigation and pre-litigation matters, including but not limited to any defense of agency charges and complaints filed with the EEOC, the Division of Human Rights, the Department of Labor, and other governmental agencies
- Advise on government contract compliance, including wage compliance (living and prevailing) and privacy laws
- Work with Employee Experience team on regulatory matters related to health care, retirement plan and other benefits as well as related policies
- Manage legal projects and identify legal issues to management and recommend appropriate action, including working closely with the General Counsel, and the Chief Human Resources Officer and their staff
- Work with safety teams on matters relating to employee safety
- Coordinate with and provide advice to Finance team on Payroll, Workers Comp and Unemployment Insurance
- As part of Legal Team, provide support on legal disputes and potential disputes, including but not limited to litigation, demand letters, government proceedings, audits, and related matters
- Work closely with Compliance Team on various matters, including issues relating to registration requirements and employee data protection; assist in the development and provision of training on legal issues and compliance to staff at all levels.
- Advise Contracts Team on legal issues or negotiations relating to certain contract issues, such as scopes of work and wage issues
- Other duties as assigned.
- Light travel may be required
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $105,000- 140,000 /annually CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors including experience, internal equity, and the labor market associated with the city in which the position is located. The labor markets associated with the cities in which CEO is based are variable, and the salary range included here reflects this. Our salary offer will fall within this range and will be reflective of the labor market of the city in which the position is based, as well the other factors named above.
We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and are happy to provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, and professional development opportunities to our staff.
We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.
More About Us
The Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racism organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we're passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.
People who are justice involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ , and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.
