General Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: General Counsel

Department: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Maxwell AFB, AL (Hybrid Work Eligible)

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Board of Governors

Position Type: Full Time

Typical Hours: 40 Hours / Week

Required Travel: Yes, <=20%

Contractor: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Remote Work Eligible: Yes/Hybrid (Requires in-office presence with some allowance for a hybrid remote agreement)

Closing Date: 14 August 2026

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide operations! We’re seeking a General Counsel to serve as the principal legal officer for Civil Air Patrol (CAP), providing strategic legal counsel and risk management guidance to executive leadership, the Board of Governors, and other organizational stakeholders. The General Counsel oversees legal affairs, governance, risk management, litigation management, contracts, and legal and regulatory compliance to protect CAP's interests and support achievement of its mission and objectives.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

What You’ll Do

• Serves as a legal advisor to executive leadership, the Board of Governors, and organizational stakeholders on legal, governance, compliance, employment, and risk management matters while supporting organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Serves as the primary corporate legal officer for CAP, working in collaboration with the Chief of the Legal Officer Corps and other volunteers from the Legal Officer Corps to coordinate corporate strategy, align risk management, and ensure cohesive legal guidance across staff and volunteer operations.
• Oversees the review and negotiation of contracts, agreements, real property leases, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), legal aspects of the CAP-USAF cooperative agreement, and other legal and regulatory instruments affecting the organization.
• Monitors compliance with federal regulations, state laws, 501(c)(3) nonprofit governance requirements, and internal CAP regulations.
• Advises on youth protection regulations, employment law, liability exposure, and organizational risk mitigation strategies across staff and volunteer populations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Leads and develops employees, legal professionals, and other resources supporting CAP's legal, governance, compliance, and risk management functions.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and performance oversight while fostering accountability, professional excellence, and collaboration.

What We’re Looking For

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Licensed and in good standing to practice law in an American state, territory, or the District of Columbia..

Experience:

• Ten or more years of progressive legal experience, including significant responsibility for governance, compliance, litigation, contracts, or organizational risk management
• Experience advising executive leaders, governing boards, or senior leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with volunteer leadership (legal officers and otherwise) in a joint employee/volunteer structure.
• Experience working within nonprofit, government, military, or similarly complex organizations preferred.

Other: Valid driver’s license; ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Impact a national organization dedicated to serving our communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
• Enjoy flexibility with hybrid work eligibility.
• Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Training programs and certification support.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage.
• Supplemental Insurance: Disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.

Discover Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery isn’t just the capital of Alabama—it’s a city rich in history and full of modern charm. Here’s why you’ll love living and working here:

• Affordable Living : Cost of living is about 12–14% lower than the national average, with housing costs nearly 25% lower than average.
• Historic & Cultural Significance: Walk in the footsteps of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at civil rights landmarks, museums, and memorials.
• Thriving Downtown: A revitalized riverfront district with trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and arts venues like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy scenic views along the Alabama River, Riverfront Park, and nearby hiking trails.
• Education & Community: Home to top colleges like Auburn University at Montgomery and Alabama State University, plus a strong sense of Southern hospitality.
• Central Location: Easy access to Birmingham, Atlanta, and Gulf Coast beaches for weekend getaways.

Montgomery blends Southern charm, cultural depth, and affordability , making it an ideal place to build your career and enjoy life.

Why Work for Civil Air Patrol

At Civil Air Patrol (CAP), you are joining a mission-driven national organization working to save lives, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leaders. As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP blends the purpose of public service with the innovation and agility of a modern nonprofit. Every role contributes directly to meaningful service in America’s communities.

Our people advance youth development, aerospace education, and provide trusted emergency response mission support for military, civil, and government agencies. Working at CAP means collaborating with passionate professionals and skilled volunteers across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and more than 1,400 communities.

We offer an environment where your work makes a visible impact. Employees support first responders after natural disasters, contribute to Air Force-assigned missions, and empower thousands of cadets nationwide. You will be part of a team committed to service, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities to grow your career while supporting critical community and national needs.

If you want a career with purpose, teamwork, and the chance to make a difference every day, Civil Air Patrol is where your work truly matters.

Background Check:

The successful completion of a comprehensive background check is mandatory for this role. This is a critical component of our child protection policy and our commitment to providing a safe environment for minors.

To apply , submit a detailed resume via email. This position does not offer a relocation package. Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Closing date: 14 August 2026.