Counsel

Role Overview

The Director, Assistant General Counsel (AGC) provides high-quality, practical legal support across RPA and its sponsored projects. This role focuses on day-to-day legal counsel, contract review, compliance support, issue spotting, and legal research that advances operational efficiency and ensures organizational compliance. Working under the guidance of the Senior Director, Legal / Associate General Counsel, the AGC handles a broad portfolio of routine and moderately complex legal matters, supports policy development, and contributes to training and legal resource creation. This role regularly partners with internal teams, external vendors, and outside counsel, helping translate legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance.

Role Core Accountabilities

Legal Advisory & Research

Provide timely, well-reasoned legal guidance that supports organizational operations and decision making.

• Provide legal support on issues related to nonprofit operations, employment, intellectual property, contracts, and data privacy (with guidance as needed).

• Conduct legal research on regulatory changes, policy questions, and operational issues.

• Assist in the development and delivery of legal trainings and explanatory materials.

Risk Management and Compliance Support

Strengthen compliance and proactively identify legal risks across internal departments and sponsored projects.

• Monitor compliance questions and escalate as needed to senior legal leadership.

• Assist with drafting, reviewing, and updating organizational policies.

• Support internal teams in understanding regulatory or compliance requirements.

• Advise internal stakeholders on contractual terms, obligations, and processes.

Contract Management

Ensure that all agreements safeguard organizational interests, reduce risk, and support efficient, mission-aligned operations.

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including service agreements, grant agreements, vendor contracts, and MOUs.

• Advise internal stakeholders on contract terms, obligations, and risks to support informed decision making.

• Maintain legal integrity and consistency in RPA’s contract templates, processes, and standards.

Cross-Functional Partnership

Deliver responsive and effective legal support to internal teams.

• Partner with Advisory, Sponsored Projects & Funds, People & Culture, Finance, IT, and Operations teams to address legal questions and operational challenges.

• Coordinate with external legal counsel on specialized matters, ensuring accurate information gathering and issue tracking.

• Maintain positive, service-oriented relationships across the organization.

Governance & Documentation Support

Strengthen the legal foundations of organizational governance.

• Assist with governance needs for RPA and affiliated entities, under senior legal direction.

• Research and prepare drafts of resolutions, policies, and governance-related documents.

• Support Board meeting preparation, documentation, and compliance tasks as assigned.

Complexity and Problem-solving

• Addresses routine and moderately complex legal questions using established laws, organizational policies, and existing precedents.

• Identifies issues and risks in contracts, policies, or operational practices, and escalates appropriately when complexity or risk increases.

• Conducts legal research to support problem solving, ensuring accuracy and clarity in recommendations.

• Applies judgment to balance legal requirements with operational realities, while deferring high-risk decisions to senior legal leadership.

• Works through contract or compliance challenges by analyzing options, proposing solutions, and collaborating with internal partners.

• Supports the development of new policies and templates by identifying gaps and recommending improvements.

• Manages competing deadlines and evaluates when legal matters can be resolved independently versus those requiring senior oversight.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Works collaboratively to deploy staffing assignments and configure engagement teams based on a wide range of internal and external factors. 

• Provides direct oversight and managerial support to direct reports as well as indirect reports on engagement teams.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

• Active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience with a minimum of 4 years’ relevant legal experience ideally in nonprofit law or working with tax-exempt organizations, and experience reviewing and drafting contracts.

• Exposure to compliance or governance work is beneficial but not required.

• Additional relevant certifications (e.g., relating to privacy, employment, or compliance more broadly) are a plus.

Travel Requirements 

Must be willing to commute to RPA’s NYC and or San Fransico office(s) as needed, at least quarterly. Must be willing to travel for business as needed.

The incumbent in the role must demonstrate a commitment to RPA’s Mission and Values:

At Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, our mission is to accelerate philanthropy in pursuit of a just world, by providing deep global expertise to make philanthropy more thoughtful, equitable and effective.

• We believe that philanthropy can help create a better world.

• We make decisions that center people and communities.

• We believe philanthropy has a responsibility to pursue equity.

• We uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust.

• We are committed to learning and sharing knowledge.

If our mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. You may bring valuable perspectives and experiences that aren’t captured here but could contribute meaningfully to our work. We’re excited to learn what you can offer.

Compensation & Benefits

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.

The salary range is one component of the total compensation package for employees.

 

Pay Range: $173,000 - $185,000 salary per year.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed as received. In order to be considered, all applications must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and your resume. The position will remain open until filled.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

RPA is an equal opportunity employer.