General Counsel - ACC - Association of Corporate Counsel

Position Summary

The General Counsel is a strategic partner and expert legal advisor to the President of NAIS and leadership team. In addition to leading NAIS’s internal legal and risk management work, the General Counsel leads NAIS work in providing NAIS members with just in time resources, information, and support on a wide range of legal issues impacting independent schools, including student and faculty affairs, athletics, campus safety and security, intellectual property, compliance, and oversees NAIS’s government relations advocacy on these and other legal issues. The General Counsel at NAIS is the leading legal voice within our organization, but it is also viewed as one of the leading legal voices in the independent school industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and direct the development of just in time resources, opportunities, and information for independent schools on risk management and general legal issues impacting leaders, individual schools, and the industry at large.
• With the associate legal counsel, author and coordinate legal and government relations advisories for NAIS members.
• With the associate legal counsel, oversee government relations operations for the Association.
• Drive NAIS public policy, regulatory and legislative agenda.
• Working with the associate legal counsel, analyze, author, and coordinate regulatory and legislative comments on behalf of organization to federal government on issues of importance to the association or its schools.
• Present on legal issues relevant to the independent school community.
• Offer general legal information to members.
• Serve as an engaged and involved team member supportive of the varied experiences and perspectives of internal and external colleagues.
• Provide or coordinate all NAIS in-house legal needs.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge across multiple disciplines in the handling of complex legal matters to mitigate risk to the organization.
• Provide strategic and expert legal advice to NAIS’ leadership.
• Serve on the management and leadership teams.
• Proactively identify potential risks and evaluate current risks impacting the organization. Counsel leadership on a plan of action.
• With the associate legal counsel, oversee the contract process and agreements entered into by the organization.
• Support and actively build an office culture dedicated to superior customer service that exceeds member expectations.
• Oversee all budgets related to government relations, legal, and legal education projects.
• Oversee filing determination process and coordinate or perform writing of amicus briefs on behalf of the organization.
• Build alliances with related associations, coalitions, and strategic partners.
• Work within the team and among teams to ensure that decisions are made to further the organization’s goals.
• Assumes other responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. from accredited law school required.
• DC bar admission.
• At least 10 years’ experience working in a law firm, as general counsel for an organization, or in a related position.
• Knowledge of schools (strongly preferred).
• Experience managing, mentoring, and coaching other attorneys or legal support staff.
• Familiarity and understanding of legal requirements and trends related to business/contract law, employment law, human rights, and education (strongly preferred).
• Strong writing, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Team-oriented with demonstrated initiative and ability to work in a fast-paced business environment, handling shifting priorities and deadlines as needed.
• Strong work ethic, detail oriented, business-savvy, flexible schedule when necessary.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without restrictions.
• Special Requirements
  1. This position is essential personnel and is expected to be on call for emergencies.
  2. The standard work schedule expected is Monday-Friday, 9 AM- 5 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as the duties demand.

Competencies

• Creativity
  1. Generates new ideas, supports change, provides innovative solutions, solves problems creatively.
• Communication
  1. Understand and communicate effectively with others using a variety of contexts and formats, which include writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Fostering Teamwork
  1. As a team member, the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team; as a team leader, the ability to demonstrate interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together.
• Flexibility
  1. Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things.

Position Attributes

• HR Role: Management Team
• Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
• Business Unit: Legal & Government Relations
• Supervisor: CEO
• Location: Washington, DC, hybrid/remote
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Travel: Up to 25% is required (This could be at least once a month or 2-3 weeks a quarter, as necessary). International travel is not frequent but may be required.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.