Reports to: President and CEO
Staff reporting to this position: Various legal staff
Department: Legal
Position classification: Exempt, full time
Compensation range: $220,000–$260,000 per annum
Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
American Progress has an immediate opening for an experienced General Counsel on its in-house Legal team. The Legal team manages legal and compliance matters for both the Center for American Progress (“CAP”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational think tank, as well as its affiliated organization, the Center for American Progress Action Fund (“CAP Action”), a 501(c)(4) organization.
The General Counsel oversees all aspects of legal compliance and risk management, participates in executive management as one of six executive committee members, and leads corporate governance for both organizations. The successful candidate will work with the Legal team, management, and staff to respond to daily legal and institutional needs, provide legal and strategic advice, and ensure ongoing compliance in a fast-paced and mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as senior leader for organization. Ensure that American Progress upholds high standards of rigor and legal compliance.
- Ensure compliance with a broad array of complex and intersecting legal regimes, including but not limited to: IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations; federal and state lobbying; campaign finance and election law; corporate governance; employment and labor; and contract law.
- Design and implement internal compliance and tracking measures, including staff legal guidance and training, time sheets, cost sharing agreements, grant agreements, financial controls, contracts administration, and conflicts management procedures.
- Provide legal and strategic advice to help staff plan and structure new projects in compliance with applicable law.
- Oversee and manage corporate filings such as IRS Form 990s, Lobbying Disclosure Act reports, and state charitable registrations.
- Respond to government audits and official inquiries, as well as threats of litigation or other adverse action.
- Coordinate and consult with the human resources department on employment matters, including internal investigations and employment-related policies.
- Manage Legal team—including one Deputy General Counsel, two Legal Counsels, and Legal Assistants—to meet legal needs throughout CAP and CAP Action.
- Provide legal advice and support to the board of directors for CAP and CAP Action.
- Advise and directly report to President and CEO.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- License to practice law.
- J.D. and at least 10 years of experience.
- Must be able to measure risk in complex work.
- Preferred candidates will have significant experience in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit law, as well as demonstrated knowledge of government lobbying and ethics, employment and labor, and media and/or intellectual property law.
- Preferred candidates will have demonstrated executive management experience, as well as experience with corporate governance.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Agility to manage shifting priorities, exercise good judgment with complex matters, and quickly respond to the unexpected.
- Demonstrated success working on broad topics and balancing multiple projects at once.
- Positive attitude and team-oriented ethic.
- Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
American Progress offers full and competitive benefits packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $220,000–$260,000.
