Legal Counsel

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in arts and culture, education, conservation, health, and economic opportunity-focused non-profits.

About the Organization

Fidelity Foundations' grantmaking seeks to build the capacity of leaders and organizations tackling important societal challenges and promoting thriving communities. We are dedicated to strengthening organizations by fostering robust partnerships and supporting projects that enhance our grantees' long-term success. Each program centers on the ecosystems' needs and identifies where our capacity-building support can have the greatest impact. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years, and also strengthen communities in specific regions nationwide.

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.

As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our quiet grantmaking.

About the Role

What You'll Do

The Legal team oversees all legal aspects of grantmaking, governance, and compliance for the Fidelity Foundations. The VP, Legal, leads this function, and serves as an advisor to the Foundations' leadership and Trustees. The VP is responsible for focusing on critical legal strategies and issues facing the Foundations' mission and providing effective leadership and guidance for all legal work.

The Counsel reports to the VP, Legal, and will work closely and collaboratively with the VP, with Foundations staff at all levels, and with other legal resources to assist in protecting the organization's legal interests, maintaining its operations, and supporting coordination across the Foundations.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Program Support & Grant Compliance
  • Advise on laws applicable to private foundations and public charities, including advocacy, lobbying, self-dealing, and political campaign activities.
  • Ensure compliance with legal issues related to grant making in support of foundation goals.
  • Monitor complex projects to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Contract Management
  • Provide legal advice and support to foundation staff on contractual matters.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other agreements with foundation vendors, grantees, and others, while ensuring compliance with organization standards and policies.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of contract management processes.
• General Legal Support
  • Assist in the development and implementation of user-friendly policies and procedures focused on legal compliance.
  • Develop and conduct educational opportunities for foundation staff on legal and related matters.
  • Assist and advise on special projects throughout the foundation as needed.
  • Supervise outside counsel, as needed.
  • Conduct and effectively communicate legal research.
  • Recommend and implement continuous improvements to work processes to achieve efficiencies within the Legal function and more broadly, as needed.
  • Perform other duties and provide assistance as requested by the VP, Legal.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Vice President, Legal.

You'll work closely with the Legal, HR/Talent, Grants Management, and Programs teams.

Required Skills and Experience

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• A JD degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the Massachusetts bar or eligibility for immediate admission as registered in house counsel
• 5+ years of in-house and/or firm experience, with current knowledge of and prior experience advising not for profit, tax-exempt organizations
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiating skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), including in a virtual environment
• Superior analytical, organizational and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to listen effectively and to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively
• Experience in philanthropy is preferred, but not required
• Familiarity with charitable organizations and activities working in conservation, education, arts & culture, economic empowerment, and/or medical-science research a plus
• A proven track record of delivering against goals
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality

Salary

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• Generous health insurance and an annual lifestyle wellness benefit
• Vision and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Paid parental leave, family member care leave, and adoption assistance
• 401(k) with company match
• Parking and transit Flexible Spending Account
• Career development and coaching
• Tuition reimbursement & student debt program

Application Instructions

Qualified individuals, please apply: https://www.on-ramps.com/jobs/3452