Description:
Position Overview:We believe that individuals and communities play a key role in environmental problem solving and in shaping the environmental movement, bolstered by organizational resources and a peer network that can scale their efforts. The General Counsel & Litigation Director (“general counsel”) will be an ambassador for this perspective, and for Earth Island's multifaceted effort to make an impact by empowering the leaders in our network, growing the next generation of change makers, and amplifying the issues they work on.
This position will oversee Earth Island Advocates, the litigation arm of Earth Island, and act as legal advisor to Earth Island and the Board of Directors on a range of matters. They will supervise the work of pro bono attorneys and law students in connection with environmental advocacy and litigation and, along with the Board of Directors and other senior staff, devise and implement the organization's litigation strategies. The general counsel will also be charged with helping to grow Earth Island Advocates, and serve as the spokesperson for Earth Island's legal efforts.
The general counsel will be an executive-level member of the Earth Island team who will oversee all legal and governance matters within the organization, and serve as staff liaison to appropriate committees of the Earth Island Board of Directors (e.g., Litigation Approval, Governance, etc.). This exempt position is part of the management team, and reports directly to the chief executive officer. The general counsel will have supervisory responsibilities of legal and non-legal staff that directly support Earth Island's legal department.
In all aspects of their role, the general counsel strives to deliver quality results in a manner that is respectful and supportive of others, and contributes to a strong team environment. This position has a direct impact on the programmatic and operational performance of the organization, as well as Earth Island's reputation among partners and community members.
This position is an excellent match for someone who enjoys taking initiative and thinking creatively about legal strategies; is a problem-solver by nature; has had steadily increasing legal responsibilities; and seeks to join a dynamic, innovative, and impactful organization.
Core Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage pro-active litigation and strategy, including advising on settlement, that supports the goals and objectives of Earth Island and its projects;
- Build and manage a network of pro-bono attorneys, law students, and consultants who work on Earth Island litigation and regulatory matters;
- Provide legal and risk management advice and judgment on a wide range of legal matters related to Earth Island's operations, including but not limited to contract, intellectual property, employment, and tax;
- Oversee grants and contracts compliance;
- Participate in the definition and development of policies, procedures, and programs related to legal and risk management;
- Assume responsibility for ensuring that the company conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
- Keep current on new and emerging laws, policy developments, and best practices related to compliance programs, with a focus on those relating to tax-exempt organizations;
- Serve as corporate secretary;
- Assist the president of the Board and the chief executive officer in connection with governance and the operation of the Board of Directors;
- Serve as the spokesperson for Earth Island's legal efforts and for Earth Island Advocates; and
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and people of color, to apply. Research has shown that these groups are often less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. At Earth Island, we value diversity and believe that a range of perspectives contributes to our success. If you have at least 60% of the qualifications listed and a growth mindset, we encourage you to submit your application.
- J.D. from an accredited law school;
- Seven years of experience as an attorney, with at least five years of litigation experience in state and/or federal courts;
- Admission to the Bar of the State of California (preferred), or to the bar of another state and willingness to obtain registered in-house counsel status in California;
- Creative litigation skills;
- Familiarity or willingness to learn legal substantive areas as applied to 501(c)(3) organizations, including governance, contract, employment and other day-to-day matters to the extent not already conversant;
- Demonstrated excellence in writing and verbal communication;
- Ability to lead in an environment of change;
- Ability to earn influence without authority and naturally seek to support both small projects and large strategic goals;
- Demonstrated strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and function smoothly under quick deadlines and shifting priorities;
- Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills;
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, different communication styles, and a wide range of diverse colleagues and project partners;
- Humble curiosity, creativity, and initiative with a willingness to accept and take on new challenges;
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with staff, Board, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders;
- Computer proficient with a comprehensive working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel;
- Familiarity with some or all of the following systems: Nifty, Adobe, DocuSign, and Google Suite; and
- Ability to work some weekday evenings and weekends as required.
