General Counsel

Job Description  Updated September 2024  General Counsel Position Overview The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal advisor for Room to Read, providing strategic legal guidance and support to the organization. This role will involve overseeing all legal matters, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and mitigating legal risks. The General Counsel will report to the Chief Financial Officer, serve on the Chief Financial Officer’s Senior Leadership Team and will manage the Deputy General Counsel. The GC will work closely with other senior leaders across Room to Read to support the organization's mission and goals. The General Counsel will act as a senior legal leader in the organization – being the seniormost legal advisor and leader on internal policy and risk committees, as well as general leadership teams and will collaborate cross functionally to proactively provide legal support and to ensure that Room to Read’s culture and strategic direction are aligned with legal protections and forward-thinking legal needs. Responsibilities Risk Management and Legal Operations (50%) Advise on risk management strategies and work to mitigate legal risks associated with the organization's global operations and activities. Use insurance strategically as a component of enterprise risk management. Advise, as requested on employment-related legal issues in the US and other international locations. Manage and coordinate legal matters with external counsel, including litigation, contract negotiations, tax regulations, employment matters, data privacy and protection laws, intellectual property, cause marketing, donor agreements and legacy matters, as well as other legal proceedings. Review and draft contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the organization's interests and assets Manage the Legal function, establishing strategic direction, setting annual goals and outcomes. Lead, mentor and manage the Deputy General Counsel and a legal assistant and leverage the pro-bono legal community where appropriate. Serve on the Chief Financial Officer’s Senior Leadership Team. Leverage technology solutions, including AI, legal technology platforms or contract management systems, to improve functional effectiveness. Deploy and manage Corporate Secretarial services globally. Strategic Advisory and Compliance (30%) Provide strategic legal advice and support to the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Leadership Team, the global board of directors as well as other senior leaders on a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, employment law, and corporate governance. Responsibility to respond to and advise on issues of global scale, and within all Room to Read operating countries. Maintain and apply global and country-specific legal knowledge, undertake necessary research and leverage local legal services. Oversee the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Lead the cross-functional global compliance and policies task force. Ensure global policy development and oversight fits within an organization-wide framework and is supported with training and maintenance. Ensure compliance with international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly those related to non-profit organizations. Understanding of ESG practices and the integration of these practices into the organization’s governance framework. Stay current on legal developments and trends that may impact the organization and provide proactive legal guidance. Organization Support and Culture (20%) Support the organization's mission and values by promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency. In collaboration with People Operations, lead the global whistleblower policy assurance (including investigations) and provide reports to the Audit Committee of the Board, the CEO, CFO and Chief of People Operations. Provide training and education to staff on legal matters, compliance with global policies and regulatory requirements and best practices to support risk mitigation and global brand reputation. Represent the organization at external legal events Qualifications Required: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the bar in at least one jurisdiction with a preference for CA or NY. A minimum of 15 years of legal experience, preferably with experience in non-profit organizations or international development. Strong knowledge of contract law, compliance, intellectual property, employment law, data privacy, cybersecurity and corporate governance. Demonstrated experience in international legal governance and global operational practices within complex legal entity structures. Excellent strategic communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. You must be able to concisely share complex ideas with your “clients”. Strategic thinker with the ability to discern when a particular issue is indicative of something much broader. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Experience as a manager, mentor and functional leader Expertise in supporting global crisis management processes Commitment to Room to Read's mission and values. Preferred: Experience working with international non-profit organizations. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to non-profit organizations and international development. Experience managing and coordinating legal matters with external counsel and pro-bono legal advisors. Willingness to travel internationally Intellectually curious and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth Compensation & Benefits The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 per year Compensation may vary depending on several factors including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, and relevant education or certifications. 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage  22 days of PTO + 11 paid holidays  Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match  Certified Great Place to Work About Room to Read:  Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education. We are achieving this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and by supporting girls as they build life skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. We collaborate with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. Room to Read has benefited more than 45 million children and has worked in 24 countries and in more than 213,000 communities, providing additional support through remote solutions that facilitate learning beyond the classroom. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.   Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.  EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled  Location(s) Global Office - Remote - United States To be successful at Room to Read, you will also: Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education. We are achieving this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and by supporting girls as they build life skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. We collaborate with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. Room to Read has benefited more than 39 million children and has worked in 23 countries and in more than 182,000 communities, providing additional support through remote solutions that facilitate learning beyond the classroom. Room to Read aims to benefit 40 million children by 2025. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.