Counsel
Apply NowCompany: The Crosby Group
Location: Boston, MA 02115
Description:
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, health, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.
Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years under new leadership. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.
As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.
The Legal team oversees all legal aspects of grantmaking, governance, and compliance for the Fidelity Foundations. The VP, Legal, leads the function and serves as an advisor to the Foundations' leadership and Trustees. The VP is responsible for focusing on critical legal strategies and issues facing the Foundations' mission and providing effective leadership and guidance for all legal work.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Counsel reports to the VP, Legal, and will work closely and collaboratively with the VP, with Foundations staff at all levels, and with other legal resources to assist in protecting the organization's legal interests, maintaining its operations, and supporting coordination across the Foundations.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:
This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, health, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.
Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years under new leadership. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.
As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.
The Legal team oversees all legal aspects of grantmaking, governance, and compliance for the Fidelity Foundations. The VP, Legal, leads the function and serves as an advisor to the Foundations' leadership and Trustees. The VP is responsible for focusing on critical legal strategies and issues facing the Foundations' mission and providing effective leadership and guidance for all legal work.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Counsel reports to the VP, Legal, and will work closely and collaboratively with the VP, with Foundations staff at all levels, and with other legal resources to assist in protecting the organization's legal interests, maintaining its operations, and supporting coordination across the Foundations.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Program Support & Grant Compliance
- Advise on laws applicable to private foundations and public charities, including advocacy, lobbying, self-dealing, and political campaign activities.
- Ensure compliance with legal issues related to grant making in support of foundation goals.
- Monitor complex projects to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
- Contract Management
- Provide legal advice and support to foundation staff on contractual matters.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other agreements with foundation vendors, grantees, and others, while ensuring compliance with organization standards and policies.
- Assist in the development and implementation of contract management processes.
- General Legal Support
- Assist in the development and implementation of user-friendly policies and procedures focused on legal compliance.
- Develop and conduct educational opportunities for foundation staff on legal and related matters.
- Assist and advise on special projects throughout the foundation as needed.
- Supervise outside counsel, as needed
- Conduct and effectively communicate legal research
- Recommend and implement continuous improvements to work processes to achieve efficiencies within the Legal function and more broadly, as needed
- Perform other duties and provide assistance as requested by the VP, Legal
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:
- A JD degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the Massachusetts bar or eligibility for immediate admission as registered in house counsel
- 5+ years of in-house and/or firm experience, with current knowledge of and prior experience advising not for profit, tax-exempt organizations
- Excellent contract drafting and negotiating skills
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), including in a virtual environment
- Superior analytical, organizational and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to listen effectively and to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively
- Experience in philanthropy is preferred, but not required
- Familiarity with charitable organizations and activities working in conservation, education, arts & culture, economic empowerment, and/or medical-science research a plus
- A proven track record of delivering against goals
- Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.