Staff Attorney

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION: Staff Attorney 

DIVISION/OFFICE: Office of Legal Affairs

BULLETIN No: 4062026

SALARY RANGE: $81,500 to $86,900(Commensurate with Experience)

OPENING DATE: June 9, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

Advise UPO staff on a wide range of legal and financial matters that impact the agency’s day-to-day operations, such as: Internal Revenue Code requirements for tax-exempt organizations; Nonprofit corporate law, compliance, and corporate governance matters; affordable housing development deals; staff nonprofit board of directors (i.e., Community Development Corporation, UPO Inspire); Employment law (e.g., Union Matters, Workman’s Compensation); Federal grant law (including CSBG, Head Start, and other programs); and Administrative law.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION: 

Assist with preparation, coordination, and presentation of training on legal issues for staff and UPO board members.Analyze policy priorities affecting UPO, including drafting memorandums on proposed legislation and regulations. Stay up-to-date on relevant federal and state laws impacting the operations of UPO. Collaborate with UPO directors and managers to develop and evaluate methods of delivering legal training to UPO Program and Office teams. Perform other related duties as required. Help UPO stay abreast of new and current legal requirements by researching legal publications, such as newsletters, e-bulletins, website content and more in-depth publications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

(CANDIDATE MUST HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS LISTED IN THIS SECTION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION). Experience in at least one or more of the following is strongly preferred: tax-exempt organization law, corporate law and governance, employment law, administrative law, federal grant management, and/or nonprofit management. Juris Doctorate and two (2) years of experience in a nonprofit or legal environment. Excellent working knowledge of MS Office 365 and ability to use/learn electronic time-keeping program.

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate and License to Practice Law in at least one state/jurisdiction in the United States. At least four years of experience in non-profit grant and/or contracts law. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

Thisposition IS NOT covered bytheCollective BargainingAgreement with the CWA Union.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full Time (37.5 Hour Work week) 

      Regular 

POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR 

WORKING REMOTELY: n YES o NO

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
• Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
• Vision/VSP, all employees paid
• 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution 
• Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• 2 Personal Days
• Paid Holiday

To be considered for this position:

Submit your cover letter and resume to the Career Center Online. 

UPO is an equal Opportunity Employer