General Counsel

Description

• Oversee all legal affairs of the organization, providing expert legal advice and guidance to the board of directors, executive leadership, and staff. Responsibilities encompass conducting legal research, analyzing applicable city, state, and federal laws, and delivering thorough counsel on complex legal matters.
• Advice the board of directors, executive team and staff regarding corporate governance, ensuring compliance with the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and the Internal Revenue Code.
• Manage and coordinate all litigation and pre-litigation activities, including investigations, subpoenas, and document requests. Maintain a detailed register of active cases and implement strategies for efficient resolution of judgments.
• Administer the preparation, review, and negotiation of critical legal documents, including contracts, loan agreements, government contracts, insurance policies, leases, memorandums of understanding (MOU), and letters of intent for Comunilife and its affiliates
• Ensure ongoing compliance with organizational governance documents, such as the By-Laws, through regular reviews and updates. Draft resolutions for presentation to Board Committees and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and enforce streamlined systems and policies to enhance the contracting process's efficiency, transparency, and control. Deliver training to agency staff on contract approval procedures and vendor/subcontractor compliance protocols.
• Evaluate compliance concerns across the organization, identifying deficiencies and facilitating corrective actions in collaboration with relevant teams. Provide legal guidance regarding new and existing laws affecting operations, housing development, building maintenance, and human resource management, including adherence to labor laws and updates to the Employee Handbook.
• Offer strategic advice on lobbying regulations, charitable solicitation requirements, and media-related legal considerations.
• Guide leadership and staff with housing and homelessness-related legislation as needed,
  including immigration status, and other critical factors.
• Retain and oversee external legal counsel, negotiating terms of engagement to ensure cost- effective and quality representation.
• Monitor adherence to grant and program contracts, providing support to executive leadership and program staff in maintaining full compliance.
• Conduct in-depth legal research on matters such as employment law, intellectual property, NYC building code regulations, Medicaid, and HIPAA requirements to ensure comprehensive risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with the Development and Communications teams to ensure compliance with charitable solicitation laws and provide legal guidance on media and social media-related matters.
• Draft and review program-related legal documents, including client release forms and confidentiality agreements, to uphold compliance and protect organizational interests.
• Act as a key advisor in acquisition and loan closings, overseeing the preparation of construction, purchase, sale, and related agreements critical to the development of affordable and supportive housing.

Qualifications

• Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of relevant legal experience required with a strong preference for experience in the non-profit or public sector.
• Candidate should have excellent knowledge and experience on a wide range of legal issues including employment law, housing development, and non-profit governance. Legislative experience a plus.
• Must have the ability to develop and implement legal strategy and objectives and a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines and solving problems in a collaborative manner.
• Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate exceptional judgment and discretion.
• As part of a small but growing, multi-faceted organization, creativity and resourcefulness is a must.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidate must be mission-driven and committed to work in an organization that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills a must, with a strong attention to detail.