Legal Advisor – US Program

Civil society in the United States faces mounting legal constraints, from restrictive new laws to targeted investigations.

ICNL’s US Program works to improve the legal environment for nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy. Through cutting-edge research and analysis, we advance the freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, enabling civil society to do its work.

We are looking for a creative, collaborative, and highly motivated lawyer to help carry out this mission.

Job Description

The Legal Advisor for the US Program is a full-time position based in ICNL’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Following ICNL office policy, some remote work may be permitted. Illustrative responsibilities include:

• Tracking federal and state legal developments affecting civil society;
• Conducting legal research and analysis to help US civil society anticipate and navigate legal restrictions;
• Preparing nonpartisan analysis of draft legislation, including on a rapid-response basis, for civil society, government, and the media;
• Developing compliance resources for civil society;
• Building cross-sectoral coalitions;
• Assisting with public communications; and
• Representing ICNL in meetings with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society partners, and donors.

Qualifications

Required

• J.D. degree from an accredited US law school.
• Three years of professional legal experience, at least two of which focused on civil liberties or civil society legal issues.
• Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, and speaking skills.

Preferred

Professional experience in relevant civil society legal topics, including but not limited to:

• Laws governing tax-exempt organizations
• Criminal or civil defense of nonprofit organizations or civil society activists
• National security legislation affecting civil society
• Coalition-building and networking with civil society actors

Compensation and Benefits

• The projected salary scale for this position is $108,000$

126,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

ICNL provides a robust benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) plan.

To Apply

Applicants should send the following documents to jobs@icnl.org, with reference to “Legal Advisor – US Program” in the subject line:

• Cover letter (please include where you saw this posting)
• Resume
• Two writing samples (maximum 10 pages each)
• Two references

Applications must be submitted by January 12, 2025, and will be considered on a rolling basis. Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls or emails to ICNL staff, please. ICNL is an equal opportunity employer.

About ICNL

Founded in 1992, ICNL has worked with partners in over 100 countries to build more just, inclusive, and democratic societies. We focus on creating an enabling legal environment for nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy. ICNL’s US Program is a leading source of nonpartisan research and analysis of legislation affecting US civil society, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), counter-terrorism measures, and laws affecting peaceful assembly. For more information about our US Program, please visit www.icnl.org/our-work/us-program