General Counsel (Mountain View)

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a full‑time, exempt level position in Mountain View, California. All SVCF team members must be based and hold residency in California.

HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE

SVCF operates on a hybrid work model. All teams are expected to work in the office twice a week, every other week. In‑office days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. SVCF also reserves the right to modify its hybrid work schedule as needed.

JOB SUMMARY

The General Counsel is a member of the Foundation’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the President and CEO. The role is critical to helping the Foundation structure donor and grant agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, IRS regulations and contract agreements, and providing solutions‑oriented and creative legal expertise to support the Foundation’s mission.

The General Counsel functions as in‑house legal counsel to the Board, executive leadership team and team members on legal and risk management issues, managing complex contractual, litigation, tax, regulatory and compliance matters, and assisting with governance policies and practices. The position requires discretion, judgement and a passion for SVCF’s mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work on internal “deal teams,” facilitating fund modifications, estate settlements and gifts of complex appreciated assets such as stock, real estate, closely held business interests and other illiquid assets; manage the process for administration and sale of such assets.
• Oversee SVCF’s planned giving program, in conjunction with the Philanthropic Partnerships team and CFO, handling legal and contractual issues associated with bequests.
• Ensure compliance on all grantmaking, including legal issues associated with international grantmaking; stay current on federal and state laws and regulations.
• Develop and manage contracts with vendors, consultants, philanthropic support arrangements and grants awarded to SVCF from external funders.
• Implement enterprise risk management practices by identifying potential risks, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, maintaining adequate insurance coverage, and developing sound business process management.
• Serve as in‑house counsel on legal issues affecting clients/donors (including fund agreement development, legacy fulfillment, and gifts of complex assets).
• Ensure fiduciary duties of SVCF are properly executed; assist the President/CEO with governance support in revising the by‑laws and committee charters as needed.
• Support and staff the Board Governance Committee; participate in Audit Committee meetings.
• Maintain ongoing expertise in legal, tax, accounting, investment and risk management issues relevant to SVCF initiatives.
• Manage a team of two attorneys and a legal assistant.
• Partner with the Executive Team on risk implications of strategic shifts.
• Coordinate work with all outside counsel.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not meant to be all‑inclusive and are subject to change. Employees are expected to be flexible and adaptable, performing other related duties to meet the organization’s evolving goals and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• J.D. with a minimum of 15 years of senior or relevant legal experience and active Bar status; a professional concentration in trusts and estates is beneficial.
• Experience with laws applicable to 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt organizations, including governance, contracts, grant agreements and day‑to‑day matters.
• Comfort exercising strategic judgment to navigate complex legal situations in support of the mission.
• Proven track record of excellent management and supervisory skills.
• Awareness of when outside counsel is needed and a network to tap for additional expertise.
• Advanced research skills, including the ability to highlight and prioritise material information.
• Demonstrate and promote appropriate risk tolerance aligned with the Board’s direction.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse groups.
• Experience communicating persuasively in person, digital settings, writing, and presentations; ability to explain complex topics simply.
• Effective and respectful negotiation skills, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements.
• Professional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Solid analytical and evaluative skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and react to changing priorities.
• Responsiveness to a wide variety of constituents including the Executive Team, Development and Donor Services teams, donors and the Board.
• Proficiency in managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously in an organised and flexible fashion with dedication to timely completion of required tasks.
• Effectiveness at presenting to diverse stakeholders and audiences through public speaking.
• Ability to exercise good judgment when problem‑solving, setting priorities, and decision‑making.
• Capable of working independently as a self‑starter and in a team environment with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understanding and adherence to high standards of ethics and confidentiality.

Additionally, the successful candidate will likely have:

• A passion for community philanthropy.
• Knowledge of relevant laws governing nonprofit organisations.
• Strong operational and implementation experience, demonstrated through positions that require action rather than the provision of counsel.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The target hiring range for this position is $525,000 to $575,000 per year based on experience, credentials and internal salary equity.

The benefit package includes medical, dental and vision plans; paid time off; holidays; and employer contribution and matching to a 403(b) retirement plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, colour vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

These statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

SVCF is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential functions, please contact View email address on apply.placed-app.com.