Legal Officer

Description

Job Department: Executive

Direct Report: General Counsel & Senior Philanthropic Advisor

FLSA Status: Exempt

GWCF Salary Band: B2, L2 - Manager

Organization Overview

For over 50 years, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has ignited the power of philanthropy to respond to critical community needs and build a thriving region where every person prospers. The Community Foundation is a trusted advisor and navigator helping thousands of individuals, families, businesses, and government partners to identify impactful nonprofits and support the greater good in the communities we call home. As the region’s largest local funder, we have invested $1.7 billion to build equitable, just, and thriving communities across DC, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s County. To learn more, visit thecommunityfoundation.org.

Position Summary

The Community Foundation is seeking a Legal Officer to provide strategic legal guidance across various areas of organizational operations. This role is critical for ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risk, and overseeing the Community Foundation’s systems for managing institutional knowledge. The successful candidate will demonstrate robust legal knowledge and an understanding of the unique requirements of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the philanthropic landscape by working alongside a dedicated team committed to strengthening the community. The Legal Officer will gain broad experience with legal challenges in the nonprofit sector, fostering specialized skills in charitable giving and Community Foundation operations.

In addition to the duties described in this position description, every role at The Community Foundation is expected to contribute to the organization’s overall success and its goals. This may mean that team members will be asked to take on other tasks that may not be listed here. Examples may include working on a project or specific task outside your standard area of responsibility, participating in an organization-wide task force or special initiative, or being asked to support a colleague when needed. Any additional tasks will be determined by the manager of this role in coordination with the leadership team.

Primary Responsibilities

Legal Operations and Support

• Serve as a principal contact for staff regarding legal matters, efficiently triaging inquiries and providing prompt, practical guidance.
• Review and assess various contracts, offering analysis on terms, risks, and conditions to protect the Community Foundation’s interests.
• Help maintain and manage the Community Foundation’s contract management system, ensuring contracts are systematically tracked, documented, and helping staff monitor for renewals, amendments, or terminations.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to support contract administration and compliance initiatives.
• Update and refine contract templates to reflect current legal standards and organizational objectives.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Partner with the General Counsel to execute and oversee comprehensive risk management strategies across the organization.
• Ensure all fiscal sponsorship arrangements adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Continuously monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting Community Foundations.
• Support fund management and compliance initiatives as required to advance organizational goals.

Knowledge Management

• Help maintain the Community Foundation’s policy library, keeping policies up to date, well-organized, and accessible.
• Help develop and manage a robust collection of templates for commonly used legal documents and agreements.
• Implement standardized procedures to ensure consistent and compliant legal practices throughout the organization.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct thorough legal research on issues impacting community foundations, philanthropy, charitable giving, and nonprofit operations.
• Provide research support for staff questions that may arise, new initiatives, programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Remain informed of developments in philanthropy law, tax regulations, and nonprofit governance to ensure ongoing compliance.

Cross Departmental Collaboration

• Assist the General Counsel in preparing for and supporting the annual audit process, ensuring all legal documentation and compliance protocols are met.
• Advise Operations on internal and external compliance matters as needed.
• Collaborate with program teams to structure grant agreements and help staff ensure compliance with programmatic objectives.
• Support development teams by reviewing gift agreements and providing insight on donor compliance requirements.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing in Washington, DC.
• At least five years of legal experience, preferably in the nonprofit, tax, philanthropic, or related sectors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of Community Foundation operations, including:
  • Donor-advised funds
  • Fiscal sponsorship arrangements
  • Private foundation regulatory framework
  • Public charity compliance
  • Charitable giving vehicles and related structures
• Experience with, or within, Community Foundations, public charities, or philanthropic organizations is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing charitable organizations and tax-exempt entities.
• Experience utilizing contract management tools and legal technology platforms is valued.
• Understanding of insurance and risk management for nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Additional bar admission in Maryland and/or Virginia is advantageous.