Description:

Job Summary:
A Consumer Services Organization seeks an experienced attorney to serve as its General Counsel, who will be the point of contact for all legal matters as well as the main liaison with outside legal and compliance firms. This senior staff position is best suited for an attorney with a background in multi-state electoral and issue advocacy campaigns, including federal and state campaign finance compliance. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have experience working with super PACs, 501(c)(4) organizations, and 501(c)(3) organizations.

Essential Functions:
  • Serves as the point of contact for all legal matters for the organization and its related entities, which include a federal super PAC, a 501(c )(4) organization and a 501(c)(3) organization.
  • Oversees compliance with non-profit tax law, campaign finance regulations, federal and state lobbying rules, employment laws, contracts, and internal corporate governance.
  • Advises Executive Director, senior staff, and Executive Board on legal issues pertaining to the organizations.
  • Oversees legal review and approval of voter contact materials (canvassing literature, scripts, mail, digital ads, etc.) to ensure compliance with rules promulgated by the Federal Election Commission and appropriate state agencies.
  • Responsible for the drafting and editing of contracts, incoming and outgoing grants, leases, and other agreements as well as review and approval of agreements by outside counsel.
  • Advises Chief of Staff, Campaigns Director, Organizing Director and State Directors in monitoring compliance with non-profit tax laws and budget implications, helping to track different types of activities relevant to 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations (grassroots and direct lobbying, public education, political spending, etc.) and assists the Finance Director, accountants and outside counsel in filing Form 990 and other tax documents.
  • Collaborates with relevant senior staff and compliance consultants to ensure proper public reporting of activities (receipts, contributions, disbursements, independent expenditures, etc.) on FEC and state campaign finance reports.
  • Reviews and approves receipts from, and contributions/grants to, outside organizations and entities for compliance with campaign finance and tax laws.
  • Prepares, edits, and reviews guidance, memoranda, and policies on the related entities' registrations, campaign finance reporting, disclaimer requirements, fundraising policies, document retention, and background check policies.
  • Designs, prepares, and conducts legal trainings of staff, including federal and state campaign finance and lobbying issues.
  • Collaborates with human resources personnel and outside counsel on employment relations, composing or editing position statements, advising on investigations, and developing policies and procedures as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Manage Legal Associate during a portion of a federal general election.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school and be barred, preferably in the District of Columbia.
  • 3+ years relevant experience, including 1-2 years of experience with campaign finance or nonprofit tax compliance.