General Counsel

Job Title: General Counsel

Location: New York, NY 10018

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Juris Doctorate

Salary Range: $190,000.00 - $200,000.00

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Legal

About Comunilife

Founded in 1989, Comunilife’s mission is to provide vulnerable communities with housing and culturally sensitive supportive services. We believe that no one should be without the housing and supports they need to lead a healthy and meaningful life. Comunilife serves more than 4,000 low‑income and vulnerable New Yorkers annually by providing affordable and supportive housing, operating the state’s only certified medical respite program, and pioneering adolescent suicide prevention programs.

About the General Counsel

Serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the General Counsel reports directly to the CEO and oversees the Legal and Compliance Department. The role advises on all legal, regulatory, and governance requirements for Comunilife and its corporate affiliates, including issues related to affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and construction. The General Counsel assesses and manages legal risks, identifies potential legal challenges, and develops strategies to mitigate or address them. This position is eligible for Comunilife's generous benefits package and paid time off.

Essential Functions and Key Accountabilities

• Oversee all legal affairs of the organization, providing expert legal advice and guidance to the board of directors, executive leadership, and staff.
• Advise the board of directors, executive team, and senior staff regarding corporate governance for the corporation and its affiliates, ensuring compliance with the New York Not‑For‑Profit Corporation Law and the Internal Revenue Code.
• Act as point of contact for outside counsel, manage and coordinate all litigation and pre‑litigation activities, including investigations, subpoenas, and document requests. Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel and insurance claims handlers on all litigated and insured matters. Maintain a detailed register of active cases and advise on settlement strategy.
• Oversee the organization’s risk management function, including renewal of liability and property insurance, claims reporting, and claims management.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate critical legal documents, including service contracts, loan agreements, government contracts, insurance policies, leases, memoranda of understanding, and letters of intent for Comunilife and its affiliates.
• In partnership with the CFO, develop and implement a contract lifecycle management system and policies to enhance the contracting process’s efficiency, transparency, and control.
• Supervise the organization’s compliance officer and implement the organization’s compliance program. Evaluate compliance concerns across the organization, identifying, drafting, and implementing needed policies and processes.
• Provide legal guidance regarding new and existing laws affecting New York employers, housing development, building maintenance, HIPAA, and Medicaid‑funded services.
• Offer strategic advice on lobbying regulations, charitable solicitation requirements, and media‑related legal considerations.
• Act as a key advisor in acquisition and loan closings, overseeing the preparation of construction, purchase, sale, and related agreements critical to the development of affordable and supportive housing.

Qualifications

• Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Seven (7)+ years of relevant legal experience required, with a strong preference for experience in the non‑profit or public sector.
• Excellent knowledge and experience on a wide range of legal issues including employment law, housing development, and non‑profit governance. Legislative experience a plus.
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategy and objectives with a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and solving problems in a collaborative manner.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion.
• Creativity and resourcefulness essential in a small but growing, multi‑faceted organization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Mission‑driven and committed to work in an organization that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.

Comunilife is an EEO employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.