United Way of New York City

Organization Summary:

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) is a nonprofit mobilizing people and organizations to eradicate barriers and create opportunities that improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world's most recognized charitable brands, we envision caring communities in which all individuals and families have access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Strategic Initiatives

Position Overview:

The Assistant Vice President, Legal Counsel will report directly to the EVP with a dotted line to the Senior Legal Counsel and 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 providing advice and counsel to staff, this position will also have significant responsibility related to procurement management and Board governance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Advise EVP, Senior Legal Counsel, senior management and others within the organization on nonprofit corporate, compliance, contracting, intellectual property, governance, and litigation matters.
• Support EVP and Senior Legal Counsel by providing advice across the organization on a wide variety of issues including organizational development, operations, legal and policy-related matters, and assisting in addressing various day to day legal matters. This will include reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts and other documents, such as: sponsorship agreements, grant agreements, non-disclosure agreements, consulting agreements, and licenses and releases, and advising senior management on related issues.
• 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 solicitations in New York State and nationally.
• Advise on risk management practice, liability, and insurance matters.
• Prepare materials for Board and committee meetings. Partner with EVP on management of Board and related committees.
• Develop and deliver trainings and workshops for staff.
• Monitor and advise the EVP, Senior Legal Counsel and others on legislative developments related to nonprofit organizations, including human resources and benefits-related legislation; and
• Assist on special projects with the EVP, Senior Legal Counsel, and members of the executive leadership team, and across the organization. 

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited U.S. law school
• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Seven or more years of experience practicing law in a law firm or public interest environment; with a minimum of four years of nonprofit in-house or government experience.
• Applicant will ideally have a mix of corporate, nonprofit, and government experience. 
• 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
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Exceptional initiative and proven ability to work efficiently and effectively in a collegial and fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Ability and willingness to perform tasks with creativity and a sense of humor.
• A commitment to UWNYC’s mission and values

Key Competencies:

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

Additional Requirements:

Background check

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.

Please add salary requirements in your cover letter/additional information section. No phone calls or faxes are accepted.

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