Description:

Position:
Reporting to the PresidentCEO, the General Counsel will provide overall legal counsel and management of the legal affairs of the organization. The General Counsel delivers legal advice and counsel to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team as well as the Board of Directors to support the development and implementation of A National Organization strategy, program, and operations. The General Counsel ensures all activities follow applicable legal and regulatory requirements for a non-profit 501c3 organization and recipient of federal and state awards and resources. This role will formulate and coordinate new policy development in conjunction with the CEO, CFO and Board of Directors; coordinate the organization's Risk Management strategy and analysis and coordinate, negotiate, and manage third-party contracts and agreements to ensure strong, effective, and dynamic operations of the organization. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, excellent communicator, thoughtful partner, and careful negotiator. Management experience is a must.

Responsibilities include:

Legal Advice and Counsel

Advise the PresidentCEO and Board on matters of governance, best practices, and conflicts of interest, ensuring all policies and required documents are up-to-date and meet reporting requirements.
Advise A National Organization PresidentCEO and senior leadership on legal matters relevant to its operations as a non-profit organization and CDFI
Contribute a legal, regulatory, and risk assessment perspective to discussions of strategy, initiative design, and grant or investment strategy.
As part of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contribute to setting A National Organization strategic direction and participate in managing to those strategic goals and priorities.
Manage day-to-day operation of the Legal Department, to include ownership of the legal, procurement, compliance & risk management, contracting, and program support functions.
Advise in the negotiation of investor or funder agreements, contracts, certifications, and other legal documents and recommend revisions as necessary.

Operations and Compliance Training and Support

Stay informed and monitor the legal and regulatory environment affecting private nonprofits and CDFIS to identify trends that may affect A National Organization or its work.
Review, develop, revise, and maintain policies and procedures for the general operation of the compliance and risk management program and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
Ensure policies, procedures and operational processes are in place to comply with all laws, rules, regulations, agreements, covenants, and best practice to ensure organizational safety and soundness.
Build a cohesive organizational compliance strategy and oversee implementation of strong compliance and risk management program, including:
Liaise with other members of the SMT and program staff to ensure comprehensive compliance with all grant and program contracts with a particular emphasis on federal and state awards and contracts.
Advise and consult managers on compliance and risk management.
Identify potential areas of operational and compliance vulnerability and risk.
Coordinate with Senior leadership on providing communication on progress and challenges regarding compliance and ensure immediate mitigation of compliance risks that emerge.
Support, train, advise A National Organization teams as needed to resolve difficult legal and programmatic issues including:
Advise capital and lending team about interpretation and compliance with consumer protection and bankingcredit union regulations and procedures.
Support Network and programs teams to research and answer questions about program operations and documentation.
Engage Operations and Compliance team to remain up to date on key compliance areas and as appropriate for its members.
Partner with the finance, operations, and human resources team to provide legal advice and support on issues as needed.
Recruit and manage legal and compliance support (both internally and externally)

Contracts and Agreements

Provide legal review for all grant agreements, contracts, and investment-related documents.
Establish and strengthen A National Organization procurement and contracting standards, protocols, and processes in compliance with vendor management policy.
Negotiate, coordinate, and manage vendor agreements to ensure A National Organization standards and values are centered and upheld.

Legal Resource for Organization

Review, research, interpret, and prepare written and verbal advice on a variety of legal issues, both external-facing and internal
Work with the SMT and other staff as appropriate to develop training programs for staff and managers in areas such as compliance, procurement, new employee on-boarding, lobbying, cybersecurity, and privacy.
Manage all litigation involving A National Organization, including coordination with and oversight of outside counsel and applicable insurance carriers.
Engage and coordinate outside counsel in support of all A National Organization legal needs.
Other duties as required.

Skills and Experience:

Commitment to A National Organization's mission to help low- and moderate-income people and communities achieve financial independence.
D. degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in New York State.
7-10 years of legal practice experience.
Experience in the nonprofit, community finance andor credit union sector is a plus.
Outstanding communication skills: listening, speaking and writing.
Strong facilitation and negotiating skills.
Experience in drafting legal documents and in communicating essential components in plain language.
Ability to bring together and build relationships with and among external parties with transparency and regular communication seeking engagement and buy-in of parties.
Excellent judgment and initiative in finding effective solutions with a practical, results-oriented approach.
Management background and expertise in leading teams
Ability to work productively and contribute across diverse, multi-disciplinary team structure.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.