Policy and Corporate Counsel

Who We Are

Independent Sector (IS) is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive. We unite nonprofits and philanthropies to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.

Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our work. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value and welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

Summary

The Policy and Corporate Counsel serves as a strategic legal advisor to the Public Policy/Government Relations and Research teams, offering guidance on emerging legal trends, risks, and opportunities that could affect the health and operations of charitable nonprofit sector. This role is critical in monitoring, analyzing, and responding to key executive actions, regulatory developments, and litigation that may impact the sector or Independent Sector's members.

In partnership with the Vice President of Communications and the Policy team, the Corporate Counsel will help develop and deliver educational resources-including webinars, blogs, and policy advisories-to inform and engage the broader nonprofit community. Additionally, this role will provide legal support to the Chief Operating Officer as needed, including managing relationships with outside counsel, advising on corporate governance matters (such as bylaws), and conducting light reviews of contracts and related documents. IS operates in a hybrid model (3 days in office, 2 days remote).

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as the organization's "early warning system" on legal issues, trends, and developments that have the potential to impact the health and operations of the charitable nonprofit sector.
• Conduct legal research and provide legally informed guidance to the Public Policy/Government Relations (and other teams) to help shape and prioritize the policy-related activities of Independent Sector.
• Serve as a thought partner to CEO and senior team on organizational risk management
• Advise senior leadership on emerging needs/opportunities for Independent Sector to consider litigation strategies that could advance/protect the work of the charitable nonprofit sector.
• Maintain expertise on issues of exempt organization law, charitable organization governance, and federal regulations that impact 501(c)(3) organizations broadly, and IS members, specifically.
• Develop, as needed, educational materials that explain issues emanating from the IRS, US Department of the Treasury, or other federal bodies that impact IS members and the broader sector.
• As needed, advise and inform program and project activities across the organization that intersect with matters of exempt organization law (i.e., future iterations of the Independent Sector Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice).
• Support, as needed, the CEO, Chief Operating Officer and other members of the senior leadership team with regard to corporate governance (i.e., organizational by-laws and board operations, organizational compliance with law and regulations related to charitable nonprofits (i.e., lobbying restrictions), and occasional review of contracts.
• In coordination with the senior leadership team, manage select external, legal relationships (i.e., pro bono counsel, retained counsel).
• As needed, support the work of the Communications team in reviewing responses to media, developing statements and press releases with regard to active litigation and the broader policy/political environment.
• Ability to embed IS'core values into day to operations.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not currently include direct reports but may involve supervising legal interns in the future.
Experience and Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction plus 5-7 years of experience working with non-profit organizations or other tax exempt entities-either in a law firm or within a charitable organization.
Qualifications

• Exceptional and current understanding of the charitable nonprofit sector (philanthropy and operating charities).
• Expertise and experience in monitoring/advising on federal policy matters (legislative and regulatory) as pertaining to exempt organizations.
• Deep knowledge of tax law, exempt organization law and federal oversight requirements and their interplay with the federal policy-making environment as relates to the charitable sector.
• Fluency in the self-governance standards and ethical practices that are essential to maintaining public trust in charitable organizations.
• Familiarity with the rules and regulations that govern the ability of charitable organizations to engage in public policy advocacy, lobbying, and non-partisan voter engagement
• Deep experience in helping organizations develop risk mitigation strategies in shifting environments.
• High comfort in reviewing contracts and partnership agreements (i.e., with external vendors, partner organizations) to ensure accuracy and organizational interests.
• Fluency in the various forms of intellectual property protection as relates to content generated by the organization.
• Experience and comfort in operating at both a strategic and a tactical level, with superb analytical capabilities and ability to anticipate both problems and opportunities.
• Mastery of succinctly communicating complex legal issues in multiple formats (written, oral presentations, educational materials)
• Appreciation and excitement for the unique role and contribution of the charitable nonprofit sector and the value a membership association can provide to its stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work against deadlines and shifting priorities
• A "solutions" orientation and ability to identify and solve problems quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all forms of work.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a diverse team.
• Experience in managing/engaging outside stakeholders and vendors desired.
• Ability to embed IS' organization values in day-to-day work/engagements.

Work Environment:

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefit Offerings

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending
• Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Generous Matching Program
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• SmartBenefits Program
• Unlimited PTO
• Family and Medical Leave
• December Holiday Closure
• Summer Fridays
• Monthly Wellness Days
• 10 Holidays
• Hybrid Work Schedule with 2 days remote
• Professional Development Funds
• Regular ongoing social activities-on and off site