General Counsel

ABOUT GOVACT

The Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, that supports governors across the United States in advancing strategies, practical tools, and learnings to champion fundamental freedoms. GovAct also has a 501(c)(4) arm, also fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, that focuses on targeted polling and message-testing.

Currently, GovAct supports the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, and other Governor collaborations, including convenings, discussion series, and task forces. Specifically, GovAct helps:

• Build capacity and expertise by connecting experts across Governors' Offices and organizations, tailoring best practices, model policies, and legislation, and advancing other legal and policy innovations for Governors to advance bold policies;
• Develop innovative ideas for collaboration by breaking out of silos and advancing creative initiatives;
• Advance affirmative agendas for Governors to maximize their powers to protect fundamental freedoms and counteract assaults; and
• Partner with advocacy organizations and other stakeholders.

More information about GovAct may be found at www.GovActAlliance.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

GovAct seeks a General Counsel to serve as the organization’s principal legal advisor and risk and compliance leader. The General Counsel position will report directly to GovAct’s Legal Strategy and Policy Director and counsel the organization’s senior leadership team on internal legal risks and compliance. The General Counsel will identify and analyze legal issues impacting GovAct, GovAct’s 501(c)(4) arm, and the gubernatorial alliances which GovAct supports, including the Reproductive Freedom Alliance and Governors Safeguarding Democracy. The General Counsel will draft, review and maintain key organizational documents for GovAct and its affiliates, and will present clear recommendations and counsel to GovAct’s CEO and leadership team on critical legal matters. The General Counsel will handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, balancing long-term priorities with the urgency of immediate demands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the internal legal counsel on organizational matters and ensure that GovAct and its affiliates are operating in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Provide advice and counsel on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulatory and compliance matters, as applicable.
• Develop and maintain internal governance documents for GovAct, the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, and other GovAct governor collaborations, helping the organizations to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Advise on the organizational and governance structure of future alliances and/or collaborations supported by GovAct.
• Review, and draft as needed, a broad range of organizational contracts, including but not limited to service agreements and nondisclosure agreements; negotiate or renegotiate contract provisions; and draft contracts for consultants and project partnerships.
• Provide legal advice and counsel on personnel issues, including support for a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Develop and maintain pro bono and other outside legal relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 10 years in the practice of law.

• Experience as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Associate General Counsel (or equivalent) of a non-profit organization or in an in-house environment preferred.
• Experience in core nonprofit legal issues, including but not limited to, corporate governance, contracts, employment, and related areas.
• Proven ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects, work efficiently under time constraints, and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate, facilitate discussion and build consensus in a complex and fast-moving environment.

Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a premium placed on clear and direct legal writing and thinking.

Knowledge: Understanding of public policy, state government and gubernatorial operations, and broad understanding of issues related to fundamental freedoms and democracy.

Leadership: Experience supervising other attorneys, as well as experience in recruiting and working with outside and pro bono counsel as necessary.

Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of a State Bar.

To effectively meet this critical startup moment, successful candidates will also bring relevant and diverse lived and professional experiences to the build of the organization and will align with key founding values of GovAct including:

• Belief in the power of government, and governors’ offices in particular, to advance bold, affirmative agendas that protect fundamental rights and defend the Constitution.
• Strong, hands-on work ethic needed to support fast-paced start-up growth and development of a sustainable organization.
• Political adeptness, sound judgment, and experience handling sensitive information needed to gain trust and work effectively across governors’ offices.
• Collaboration, communication, and relationship skills needed to operate effectively across a complex and matrixed network of stakeholders and teams.
• Resiliency, optimism, and solutions orientation needed to advance a joyful approach to the work, remain responsive rather than reactive, and support progress when meeting difficult challenges.
• Commitment and demonstrated ability to work effectively and build alignment across lines of difference