US Legal Counsel

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The US Legal Counsel will provide timely and sage legal advice to ONE & (RED) in its home market. This is an exciting opportunity for a US-qualified attorney with experience in the nonprofit sector to manage complex projects and devise new approaches to intricate and significant issues while being part of a global team seeking to fight for the investments to ensure economic opportunities and healthy lives in Africa. This role requires regular contact with ONE business unit leaders and members of the leadership team and will have a significant impact on how they operate.

The Legal Counsel will independently provide high value legal services on complex matters to advance priorities and appropriately manage risk to assigned programs. They will apply highly developed analytical and risk management skills to serve organizational needs efficiently and effectively, clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to staff, project managers, high-level managers and the Board of Directors. They will also ensure that transactions and activities are consistent with the organization’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures.

This is a full-time opportunity reporting directly to ONE’s General Counsel. This position will be based in Washington, DC, with presence in the office required for at least three days per week.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL

General

• Provide legal support on legal matters regarding tax-exempt/nonprofit entities, lobbying, intellectual property, fundraising, operations, programs and partnerships.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on various topics affecting the organization and provide strategic advice to the General Counsel and leadership as required.
• Support the development and execution of contracts and partnership agreements.
• Oversee compliance for the US and assess and manage risk.
• Develop close working relationships with business units.
• Assist in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Legal Department.
• Manage relationships and fee arrangements with outside counsel.
• Track progress against goals for internal projects.

Compliance

• Advise on laws impacting tax-exempt entities, including lobbying and election laws and IRS Form 990.
• Keep abreast of changes in law in ONE’s markets and develop recommendations on how to comply with any such changes.
• Train staff on compliance with organizational policies and key legal and risk issues.
• Review grant proposals, agreements, and reports for compliance issues.
• Manage the state charitable registration process.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable registration requirements and annual filings.

Governance

• Ensure corporate governance requirements are met in the US, and elsewhere as needed.
• Organize and attend board and committee meetings, take minutes, and maintain books and records for the organization.
• Draft Board resolutions, policies, and other governance documentation.

Risk Management

• Analyze and advise on risk associated with various organizational initiatives, campaigns, and strategic goals.
• Maintain global insurance policies and advise on insurance-related matters.

Labor law

• Support the HR team in all US staffing matters, including managing employee disputes, investigations, restructurings and contractual issues.

Contracts

• Draft, review, and/or negotiate transactional documents including grant agreements, MOUs, partnership agreements, cause marketing agreements, sponsorship agreements, licensing agreements, supply contracts, and office leases.
• Organize and maintain contracts, legal documentation, and electronic files.

The above reflects the essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned to this position at any time.

 WHAT YOU BRING TO ONE

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and a license to practice law in any state or territory of the US.
• A Minimum of 5+ years of relevant work experience years of legal practice as an attorney, preferably with experience working with US tax-exempt entities or international nonprofits.
• In-house experience and/or law firm experience advising clients and senior management on complex matters.
• Good knowledge of and a strong interest in labor law and litigation
• Experience in drafting, negotiating and advising on partnership and licensing agreements with commercial organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication and negotiation skills.
• Superior legal research, analytic ability, and project management skills processes that deliver excellent results.
• Autonomous self-starter who can exercise independent judgment and focus on effectively resolving legal issues.
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact with culturally diverse teams.
• Highly organized, with a track record of meeting short- and long-term responsibilities in a fast-paced, dynamic organization.
• Flexible and motivated to take ownership of projects and demonstrate follow-through.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships at all levels and across teams; builds trust quickly.
• Strong document management and organization.
• Committed to our mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change their world.
• International experience desired
• Experienced in cross cultural communication.

OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• A strong understanding of the complexities surrounding an international organization.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and collaborative.
• Independent and creative problem solver.
• Ability to remain positive and constructively engaged in high-pressure and stressful situations.
• Solid critical and analytical thinking.
• Able to handle difficult conversations with diplomacy and exercise confidentiality.
• Action oriented and results-focused.
• Flexible and resourceful in approach.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in English required. Proficiency in other languages such as French and German is a plus.

TRAVEL

Travel up to 10%

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Attendance 3 days per week in the office in DC. Team schedules and business needs may dictate the specific days/times you need to be in the office. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$125,000 – $175,000 per year

This salary range is based on compensation survey data for similar organizations and is used to set pay internally at ONE. Where a new hire’s salary falls within this range is based on a variety of factors, including the budget available for this position.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• 401(k) with Match: Save for retirement with company contributions.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Tax-advantaged savings for eligible expenses.
• Wellness Benefit: Support for your overall well-being.
• Commuter Benefit: Assistance with commuting costs.
• Life Insurance: Financial protection for you and your loved ones.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Are you ready to join ONE? Please submit a resumé and cover letter to this opening at ONE jobs!