General Counsel (New York)

General Counsel

NYC Kids RISE is a nonprofit organization that partners with the City of New York and NYC Public Schools to manage the Save for College Program, a universal asset‑building platform for NYC families.

Position Summary

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal resource and strategic advisor to the Executive Director, management, and the Board. The position oversees all legal matters, manages risk, ensures compliance, and supports organizational strategy and growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Organizational Leadership

• Strategic Counsel: Advise leadership and the Board on legal and regulatory matters, corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and policy.
• Nonprofit Compliance: Ensure continuous compliance with all laws governing tax‑exempt organizations, lobbying regulations, privacy regulations related to student and donor data, fundraising disclosures, and maintenance of 501(c)(3) status.
• Coordination and Project Leadership: Own the coordination and execution of legal and compliance workstreams, including engagement and management of external counsel and experts.
• Operational and Commercial Savvy: Provide practical legal guidance aligned with operational, business, and tactical realities.
• Team Management and Leadership: Build systems and functional integrations, supervise direct reports, and manage capacity to meet organizational priorities.

Data Privacy & Security

• Data Privacy Compliance Framework: Support development, implementation, and maintenance of a global data privacy and security program, including guidance for AI tools.
• Regulatory Expertise: Ensure compliance with key state and federal privacy regulations, including FERPA, COPPA, New York State Education Law, and relevant NYC regulations.
• Data Governance: Collaborate with the CTO to develop and implement data retention, use, and destruction policies.
• Incident Response: Lead and manage legal aspects of incident response, coordinating with IT, communications, and external counsel.

Contracts & Negotiations

• Contract Management: Draft, review, negotiate, and manage all organization‑wide contracts and agreements.
• Complex Negotiations: Lead negotiations for high‑value strategic partnerships, vendor agreements, grant agreements, and donor agreements.
• Template Library: Create and maintain a library of standardized, legally sound contract and NDA templates.
• Governmental Agreements: Provide legal oversight for agreements with government partners.
• Dispute Resolution: Manage and oversee contractual disputes or litigation.

Expertise Focus: Policy, Risk, and Governance

• Policy Leadership: Oversee the development and refinement of organizational policies across finance, information security, HR, and programmatic implementation.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage organizational risks, develop risk inventory tools, and manage liability insurance policies.
• Governance: Advise leadership and the Board on compliance, draft governance documents, and coordinate with stakeholders.

Qualifications

Credentials & Experience

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Bar Membership: Active member in good standing of the New York State Bar Association.
• Experience: Minimum of 12 years of progressive legal experience, including significant in‑house counsel experience in a NY‑based nonprofit or mission‑driven organization. Preferred certifications: Certified Nonprofit Professional, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, or Compliance and Ethics Professional.
• Preferred Specialized Knowledge and Experience:
  • Experience with major data privacy laws (e.g., FERPA, student privacy laws).
  • Experience negotiating complex contracts with governmental agencies, vendors, and nonprofit funding partners.
  • Understanding of organizational risk evaluation and management, procurement, renewal, and management of liability insurance.
  • Leadership of organizational policy initiatives within a dynamic environment.
  • Experience designing, implementing, and explaining contractual requirements of nonprofit funding agreements, including grant agreements and co‑venture mechanisms.
  • Experience with nonprofit endowment management is a plus.
  • Familiarity with NY/NYC regulations and filings for charities.
  • Experience developing staff guidance and trainings on legal concepts and related risks.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, translating complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.
• Ability to work efficiently in fast‑paced environments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate across all departments.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

Mission Alignment

• Passion for expanding economic opportunity and long‑term financial security for NYC families and communities.
• Commitment to advancing equity and addressing the racial wealth gap through asset‑building strategies.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $210,000 – $253,000. NYC Kids RISE provides a comprehensive benefits package, including 30 days of paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, FSA contributions, and a 401(k) with 4% employer match after one year of service.

Location and Work Schedule

This role is based in Long Island City (Queens, NY) and operates within a hybrid work environment. Staff are expected to work 1–3 days in office, depending on organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NYC Kids Rise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of gender, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, marital status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, unemployed status, or any other characteristic protected by law.