Legal & Support Manager

The Legal & Support Manager at The Signals Network (TSN) plays a crucial role in protecting whistleblowers and advancing transparency worldwide. This position supports the Whistleblower Protection Program in collaboration with TSN’s leadership team, managing the program’s intake process and building relationships with our clients. The Legal & Support Manager will also oversee Legal Fellows, Legal Interns, and any additional staff hired to the Whistleblower Protection Program. The Whistleblower Protection Program provides comprehensive legal counsel to whistleblowers, develops protection strategies, collaborates with media partners, and advocates for stronger whistleblower protections globally. This role requires a seasoned licensed attorney with direct client experience, coupled with a passion for supporting brave individuals who expose wrongdoing. As a key member of the Whistleblower Protection Program team, the Legal & Support Manager will help shape the organization's critical support programming and amplify the impact of whistleblower-driven investigative journalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Whistleblower Protection Program (WPP):
  • Under the direction of the Whistleblower Protection Program Director, manage the process for vetting, selecting, and supporting client needs in collaboration with TSN’s leadership team and the TSN Board Engagement Committee
  • Manage TSN’s client intake process, assessing the legal risks and support services available to each client and reviewing the legal implications of their disclosures
  • Develop and implement legal strategies to protect whistleblowers, at times coordinating with local counsel in relevant jurisdictions
  • In collaboration with TSN’s leadership team:
    • Collaborate with media partners, ensuring compliance with journalistic source protection laws and mitigating legal risks associated with public disclosures
    • Coordinate and oversee pro bono support services for whistleblowers, and manage relationships with pro bono partners
  • Draft and review contracts, policies, and legal documents, in collaboration with external counsel
• Program Development:
  • Oversee orientation, training, and evaluation of Legal Fellows, Legal Interns, and additional Whistleblower Protection Program staff
  • Work with the Chief of Staff to develop and maintain a robust legal fellow and intern program, staffing at least one of each annually
  • In collaboration with the Whistleblower Protection Program Director, expand our network of legal experts, digital security experts, psychosocial experts, temporary safe housing options, and further career support options within countries where we are already operational and beyond

Skills & Qualifications

• Required:
  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Current member in good standing of a state bar association in the United States
  • Minimum of two years legal experience, including direct client support
  • Demonstrated commitment to TSN’s mission, including the importance of whistleblower driven investigative journalism
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive relationships with individuals
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Sound professional judgment
• Preferred:
  • Experience in whistleblowing, media law, employment law, or qui tam actions
  • Deep knowledge of media landscape in the U.S. and Europe
  • Strong understanding of press freedom/whistleblowing issues
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and/or experience working in a pro bono legal services organization
  • Experience developing working relationships across legal, media, and/or social services sectors

Location

Remote work. Willing to travel up to 10% to provide in-person client support, attend relevant professional conferences, and otherwise engage with in-person activities on behalf of TSN. Team is currently located on the East Coast and in Europe. Eastern time zone is preferred.