Vice President, General Counsel

Position Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Department: General Counsel 

Suite: Operations, People, & Culture 

Location: Remote but must reside within commutable distance to NFF Office in New York City, Philadelphia, or Boston, and be able to be in person for staff activities. 

About NFF 

For more than 40 years, NFF has worked to strengthen nonprofits and improve the way money flows to support social good. This is done by providing nonprofits with access to capital, strategic financial consulting, and advocacy. These activities support our partners as they advance community health, wealth and well-being. 

As a nationally certified CDFI, our lending and consulting business reaches organizations across the country. In 2024, we closed 37 loans totaling $90MM. In the same year, NFF supported 189 clients with over 25,000 hours of consulting engagements. 

You can learn more about our work to achieve our vision by learning about our Values and Theory of Change. 

None of this work would be possible without the incredible people who work here. Our team consists of a diverse group of passionate professionals who care deeply about NFF's mission. You can read more about what it’s like to work here – and read a few examples of “a day in the life” for NFF staff” – on the careers page of our website.  

Thank you for your interest in NFF. We hope you’ll join us. 

About the Opportunity 

The Vice President, General Counsel oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to NFF to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations. This position provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the leadership team and advises on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the organization.  

While this role engages in general enterprise & governance matters, the core focus of the role is oversight of all legal aspects of our financing and lending operations. The majority of NFF loan closings and documentation are prepared in-house by the General Counsel team. Therefore, this role plays a vital part in assuring borrower loan documents are accurate, state-specific, and comply with lending guidelines. The ideal candidate has a wealth of knowledge of CDFI financial regulations, lending laws, and corporate governance. 

The Vice President, General Counsel position reports to the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and works closely with the Chief Credit Officer, Vice President of Lending, and underwriting team and receives minimal supervision. 

The Vice President, General Counsel supervises legal work of external pro bono and paid counsel; internal administrative staff (2 FTEs); and consults on difficult or sensitive issues. This role is also responsible for directing and supporting the internal team’s performance objectives and professional development. This role is a contributing member of NFF’s Leadership Team. 

This is a US-based remote position, within commutable distance to NFF’s Offices in Boston, New York, or Philadelphia. There is a potential for up to 15% travel.    

What you’ll do

CDFI & Lending 

• Advises leadership on legal and regulatory matters affecting nonprofit lending and community development finance 
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, loan documents, and participation agreements and also manage external counsel to do the same 
• Ensure compliance with federal and state financial regulations, including those specific to CDFIs and CDEs 
• Review and negotiate organization’s loan agreements, PRIs, guaranty agreements 
• Select and retain outside paid and pro bono counsel, as required, to obtain legal opinions or to handle claims and litigation 
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations relevant to nonprofit finance and lending 
• In collaboration with the Chief Credit Officer, provides legal advice on activities related to loan workouts and borrower default/delinquencies 

Enterprise 

• Manages litigation, disputes, and relationships with external counsel 
• Collaborates with the executive team to develop, review and implement internal policies to mitigate legal risks 
• Review organization’s contracts, leases, and other legal documents; research legal issues and recommend revisions as necessary 

Governance 

• Drafts, reviews and approves board resolutions, bylaws and other governance related matters 

Who you are 

Required Skills & Experience 

• You have a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school 
• You have a minimum of 10 years of legal experience, preferably in or working with CDFIs and/or lending sector 
• You are licensed to practice law with a preference for New York State bar admittance 
• You possess a strong understanding of CDFI lending laws and regulatory frameworks 
• You have excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills 
• You have excellent written and oral communications and interpersonal skills 
• You possess strong time-management and organizational abilities 
• You are a self-starter with the ability to work with limited supervision and collaborate with colleagues 
• You are Client service focused, with an aptitude for resolving issues in an efficient and constructive manner 
• You have the ability to analyze and solve complex legal issues 
• You have advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (required), Salesforce (preferred) 
• You will support advancing NFF’s mission through innovation and advancement of organizational brand internally and externally 
• You have knowledge of tax-exempt organizational law and LLCs   
• You lead with a commitment to and application of NFF Values 

Preferred Skills & Experience 

• You havce experience closing or managing New Markets Tax Credit investments 
• You have experience in energy efficiency, affordable housing, and other emerging programs  
• You have construction lending expertise 
• While NFF works primarily with nonprofit and governmental agencies, knowledge of other corporate structures is helpful 

Compensation 

At NFF, we are invested in discussing the depth and breadth of each candidate’s background and experience during the interview process and using that information to determine the best offer while considering internal pay equity. The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $210,000. If provided an offer, NFF will determine salary compensation based on relevant skills and years of experience. NFF also takes into consideration internal equity in setting salary bands for each role. NFF provides an attractive benefits package that currently includes up to 18 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, unlimited vacation time off, health insurance with a NFF funded health reimbursement account. We offer both employer match and non-match contributions toward a retirement plan. We provide a “work from home” fund, and flexible spending accounts that cover medical, commuter, and childcare costs.   

Please Note

All salaries are commensurate with experience and include an attractive benefits package. 

NFF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status in accordance with federal law. In addition, NFF complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. NFF also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. NFF does not employ individuals based outside of the United States.  

This job posting provides a general list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. It does not represent a contract for employment and NFF reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without notice. 

Click here to view NFF’s Fair and Equitable Practices.