AVP, Senior Legal Counsel (Fixed Term)

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Associate Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel (Fixed Term)

Reports to: Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel

Department: Legal and Compliance

Organization Summary:

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, the Associate Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel will assist with the overall management of all the legal and compliance affairs of the organization. In addition to day-to-day legal responsibilities such as contract drafting and negotiation, compliance oversight and counseling of staff, this position will also have significant responsibility related to developing and administering the organization’s enterprise risk management infrastructure.

This is a fixed-term position from August 1, 2026 through December, 30, 2026 (six months) with potential for extension.

Primary Responsibilities:

Legal Counsel and Contract Management

• Advise the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Strategic Initiatives (“EVP”), Senior Legal Counsel, senior management and others within the organization on a wide range of issues, including nonprofit operations, compliance, contracting, intellectual property, governance, and litigation matters.
• Support EVP and Senior Legal Counsel by assisting in handling various day-to-day legal matters and providing advice across the organization. This will include reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts and other documents, such as sponsorship, grant, non-disclosure, employment severance, consulting agreements, licenses and releases, and advising senior management on related issues.
• Assist on special projects with the EVP, Senior Legal Counsel, and other members of the executive team, and across the organization.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Policy

• Assist EVP and Senior Legal Counsel in ensuring organizational compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as lobbying, regulatory and public policy matters, and laws relating to charitable organizations in New York State and nationally.
• Advise on risk management strategies and policies, and insurance matters, and collaborate with senior leadership across departments to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor organizational risks—both strategic and operational.
• Assist in the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures to improve operations and mitigate legal risks.
• Develop and deliver training and workshops for staff on risk management, legal compliance, and ethical conduct.
• Monitor and advise the EVP, Senior Legal Counsel and others on legislative developments related to nonprofit organizations, including human resources and benefits-related legislation.

Governance and Executive Support

• Assist in preparation of materials for Board and committee meetings.
• Partner with EVP on management of Board, Junior Board, and related committees.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited U.S. law school.
• Admitted to practice law in New York State.
• Minimum of eight years of experience practicing law in a law firm or public interest environment, preferably ten years of experience that specifically includes Not for Profit and government grants management.
• A mix of corporate, nonprofit, and government experience.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit laws, regulations and compliance requirements.
• Significant experience in contract drafting and negotiation, and procurements, as well as experience addressing legal issues related to one or more other relevant areas of focus, such as nonprofit governance, grantmaking, fundraising, risk management, advocacy, and government contracting.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, negotiation, research and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide sound legal advice, develop creative solutions, and exercise sound business judgment.
• Track record of demonstrating professional judgment and discretion in being of service to multiple teams and senior managers in a diverse and multi-faceted organization.
• Exceptional initiative and proven ability to work efficiently and effectively in a collegial and fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility, willingness and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Strategic mind set and exceptional problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies:

• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Effective and Engaging Communicator
• Planning and Execution
• Business Acumen and Strategic Direction

Additional Requirements:

• UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.

United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer