Associate General Counsel

The Rockefeller Foundation•New York, NY

4d•$278,300 - $315,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Department provides strategic legal counsel and risk-based guidance to The Rockefeller Foundation and its affiliated entities, enabling the organization to advance its mission while operating with integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The department partners with programmatic and operational teams across the Foundation’s U.S. and regional offices to support grantmaking, partnerships, convenings, contracts, governance, and other institutional activities. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel provides practical, solutions-oriented legal representation and counsel across a broad range of programmatic and operational matters. The role creates value by advising on complex and high-impact legal issues, anticipating and mitigating risk, and helping leaders make informed decisions that advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities. Working closely with senior management, program and operations staff, and external partners, including grantees, convening organizers, and other programmatic partners, the Associate General Counsel translates complex legal requirements into actionable guidance and structures solutions that enable the Foundation to advance its priorities while appropriately managing legal risk.

Requirements

Generally expected to have 10+ years of legal practice, including experience working at a foundation or nonprofit organization in a legal capacity or representing tax-exempt organizations at a law firm.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) and admission to the New York State Bar required.
Exceptional judgment and discretion in advising on complex and sensitive matters and handling highly confidential information.
Significant experience advising on grants, contracts, and other complex legal agreements.
Solutions-oriented approach to advancing the Foundation’s objectives while identifying and appropriately managing legal risk.
Strong project management skills and ability to lead complex, cross-functional matters across a global organization.
Ability to build effective relationships and provide credible counsel across all levels of the Foundation and with external partners and advisors.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must have the ability to work in diverse teams with shared responsibility and accountability.

Responsibilities

Provide practical, risk-based legal advice and counsel on complex programmatic matters, enabling the Foundation to advance its objectives in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Support grantee and partner due diligence and ongoing monitoring in coordination with the Finance department and the Office of Grants Management.
Review grants, partnership agreements, and other program-related work for compliance with regulations governing the Foundation and its affiliated entities.
Develop, review, and update local and global policies and legal templates to ensure compliance with applicable law, consistency across the Foundation, and alignment with organizational practices and values.
Provide support to Foundation management and staff on grantmaking, event and convening activities, brand and media activations, and other programmatic work at federal, state, and international levels.
Draft and negotiate complex agreements that advance programmatic objectives, including MOUs, contracts, and grant agreements.
Advise on the Foundation’s global operational activities, including the structuring and review of contracts and purchase agreements.
Advise on and monitor compliance with policies governing Foundation operations, including intellectual property, artificial intelligence, external communications, registrations, and conflicts of interest.
Train staff on legal issues and internal policies.
Review press releases and other media and communications for compliance.
Support governance and regulatory matters, including Board and committee materials and grant-related reporting required to meet legal, tax, and governance obligations.
Engage and manage outside counsel on assigned matters, including complex tax, regulatory, and compliance questions.