General Counsel

Radio Free Asia•Washington, DC

146d•$195,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to providing accurate, uncensored news and information to audiences in countries with restricted press freedom. For nearly three decades, RFA has delivered independent journalism in multiple languages across Asia, reaching millions with facts and perspectives that might otherwise be suppressed. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., RFA operates with editorial independence, funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The organization is currently navigating significant change and external uncertainty, presenting a unique opportunity for a General Counsel to shape its future and ensure strong legal, governance, and operational foundations. This role is for leaders motivated by mission and energized by complexity, offering a chance to contribute to work with meaningful global impact.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a state bar, with the ability to obtain District of Columbia Bar membership if required.
Minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, government agency, nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof.
Demonstrated experience in several of the following areas: employment and labor law, litigation management, corporate governance, intellectual property, contracts, nonprofit law, federal grant compliance, media law, or regulatory affairs.
Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Experience operating in complex, rapidly changing, and highly visible environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration tools.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance, including board governance, corporate compliance, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Experience with federal grant compliance, U.S. government funding regulations, or working with federally funded organizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating in international environments and navigating cross-border legal and operational issues is strongly preferred.
Ability and willingness to travel periodically in support of Board meetings and organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and senior leadership team during a period of organizational transformation and external uncertainty.
Strengthen governance practices, legal processes, and enterprise risk management capabilities.
Evaluate the use of outside counsel and specialized legal resources.
Provide guidance on matters involving federal grants, labor and employment issues, international operations, and media-related legal risks.
Support the continued evolution of organizational policies and practices to ensure compliance while enabling operational effectiveness.
Partner closely with the Board of Directors and its committees to maintain strong governance and accountability.
Help the organization navigate emerging legal, regulatory, and geopolitical developments affecting international journalism and press freedom.
Provide strategic legal counsel and enterprise-wide guidance, serving as the chief legal advisor to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team on matters involving governance, non-profit organizations, employment and labor law, immigration, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, federal grants, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Conduct legal research and provide practical, business-focused guidance to support organizational decision-making.
Interpret U.S. laws, foreign laws, and international agreements relevant to RFA's operations and international broadcasting activities.
Provide guidance regarding issues involving press freedom, censorship, libel, defamation, and other media-related matters.
Advise departments across the organization on copyright and fair use, disciplinary actions, licensing, trademarks, internal policies, public statements, and litigation risk mitigation.
Serve as Corporate Secretary and support the Board of Directors through preparation and maintenance of official records and minutes.
Provide counsel regarding governance matters, conflicts of interest, and organizational policies.
Oversee the review and resolution of conflict-of-interest disclosures.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws and regulations.
Provide training and guidance on matters including EEO compliance, copyright, and fair use.
Develop proactive strategies to identify and manage legal, regulatory, and reputational risks.
Oversee insurance programs and ensure appropriate risk management practices are in place.
Represent RFA in legal proceedings and coordinate legal strategy when litigation arises.
Select, retain, and manage outside counsel and other specialized legal resources.
Provide strategic counsel and close collaboration with Director of Journalist Safety to protect RFA employees across all safety-related matters, from risk assessment and training to field operations and crisis response.
Ensure legal matters are handled efficiently and that resources are aligned with organizational priorities.
Partner with the Chief Operating Officer on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of collective bargaining agreements.
Provide counsel on employment and workplace issues involving staff, contractors, and international personnel.
Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures that foster compliance and mitigate organizational risk.
Lead the review and negotiation of contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
Recommend revisions and strategies to mitigate risk while supporting organizational goals.
Ensure appropriate protections are incorporated into agreements involving vendors, contractors, partners, and service providers.
Monitor developments and emerging trends in areas affecting nonprofit organizations, international journalism, media law, labor and employment law, and federal grant compliance.
Build effective relationships with leaders, staff, outside counsel, and Board members.
Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner across the organization.
Participate in Board meetings and other organizational activities as needed.