Associate Counsel

Associate Counsel

The Associate Counsel will serve as a key member of NIHF's Legal and Risk & Compliance functions, providing practical, business-focused legal guidance across the organization. Reporting to the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, this position will support a broad range of matters involving contracts, regulatory compliance, organizational risk, educational programs, and general operations. The position will have a particular focus on supporting NIHF's nationally operated educational programs and helping the organization navigate an increasingly complex federal, state, and local regulatory environment. Working closely with teams across NIHF, the Associate Counsel will research and interpret legal requirements, assess risk, develop practical solutions, and help strengthen policies and processes across the organization. The successful candidate will be a versatile, solutions-oriented attorney who can quickly learn new subject areas and translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance. The position is intended to develop into a trusted legal partner across NIHF, working under the direction of the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer on matters involving significant legal, regulatory, reputational, or organizational risk.

Position Responsibilities:

• Research, analyze, and advise on federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting NIHF programs and operations, and translate legal requirements into clear, practical guidance for internal teams.
• Support development and maintenance of NIHF's multi-state legal and regulatory framework, including monitoring legal developments, compliance matrices, guidance documents, checklists, and other practical tools.
• Provide legal guidance related to NIHF's educational programs and multi-state operations, including applicable regulatory requirements, participant-related considerations, operational matters, and emerging legal issues.
• Partner with Operations, Sales, Education, Customer Relations, and other teams to implement workable approaches to camp and youth-program legal requirements
• Provide legal support regarding product safety and regulatory matters, working collaboratively with appropriate internal teams, technical resources, and outside counsel as needed.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate a broad range of agreements and other legal documents supporting NIHF's programs, operations, partnerships, vendors, schools, funders, and other business relationships.
• Provide guidance on contractual and business matters, including risk allocation, insurance, confidentiality, privacy and data security, intellectual property, and other legal considerations.
• Draft and review organizational policies, procedures, waivers, releases, notices, training materials, participant-facing materials, and operational guidance.
• Support the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer in identifying and addressing emerging legal, regulatory, operational, and organizational risks and in developing practical safeguards, policies, processes, controls, documentation standards, and escalation protocols.
• Help develop efficient Legal workflows, intake procedures, templates, trackers, knowledge-management resources, and organized legal and regulatory records.
• Manage appropriate legal projects, including timelines, deliverables, budgets, and follow-up.
• Remain current on laws, regulations, and legal developments that may affect NIHF and proactively identify potential implications for the organization.
• Provide day-to-day legal counsel and support across the organization and assist with other legal matters and special projects as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, issue-spotting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to quickly develop working knowledge in new and unfamiliar areas of law and apply that knowledge to practical organizational needs.
• Sound judgment and the ability to independently manage appropriate matters while recognizing when an issue should be escalated.
• Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, concise, and practical guidance for non-lawyers.
• Practical, solutions-oriented approach that appropriately balances legal risk with NIHF's mission and operational objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to develop trusted working relationships across departments and levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational, project-management, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive matters through completion.
• High level of attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small Legal team and in cross-functional settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft 365
• Ability to regularly work in the office and attend in-person meetings
• Ability to communicate effectively via email, chat, phone, and in-person meetings
• Requires regular, reliable, and on-time attendance.

Credentials & Experience:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to satisfy applicable requirements for practice as in-house counsel in Ohio.
• Approximately 3-5 years of relevant legal experience gained at a law firm, in-house legal department, government agency, nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof.
• Experience independently conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and advising clients or internal stakeholders.

Why Join the National Inventors Hall of Fame?

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy top-tier medical, dental, vision, and insurance plans, along with flexible spending accounts to help pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Company-Paid Benefits: NIHF contributes 100% to provide life and disability coverages.
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) plan with up to a 4% employer match and 100% vesting upon initial contribution, ensuring your financial stability and growth.
• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end closure from December 24th through January 1st to recharge.
• Additional Support: Access Critical Illness, Hospital, and Accident Supplemental Income plans for extra peace of mind.
• Pet-Friendly Perks: Protect your furry friends with our pet insurance plans.
• Stay Fit and Healthy: Utilize our on-site workout facility to maintain your physical well-being.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Enjoy alternate workday scheduling and the option for hybrid remote work after 90 days, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Thriving Work Environment: Be part of a great team environment with ample opportunities for growth and a culture that prioritizes professional development.