General Counsel

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation•Missoula, MT

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Since our founding in 1984, we have helped conserve nearly one square mile of elk country every day. In partnership with others, we have conserved or enhanced more than 9.1 million acres, including improving public access to 1.6 million acres. Our impact will extend to 10 million acres by 2030. Building on this momentum, RMEF is seeking an experienced and strategic General Counsel to serve as a key advisor to the leadership team and Board of Directors. This role is responsible for guiding the organization’s legal strategy, ensuring compliance, managing risk, and supporting mission-critical initiatives across the organization. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a senior legal professional to help shape the future of conservation in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Licensed to practice law
Ten or more years of legal experience in the following areas: Non-profit law (e.g., fundraising, donations, tax exempt, compliance, regulations)
Land acquisitions, environmental law, conservation easements
Corporate/nonprofit governance and Board advisory experience
Employment law
Contract drafting, negotiating, and operationalizing compliance
Privacy, data security and cybersecurity
Managing and hiring outside counsel
Managing staff
Knowledge and support of the RMEF’s mission, goals, and activities, and ability to discuss them with RMEF’s staff, board, volunteers, members, prospective and current donors, and other outside parties.
Knowledge and understanding of Land Trust Alliance standards.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to present to large groups and present one’s self and the organization in a professional manner.
Ability to effectively collaborate with senior management and function as a strategic partner. Must demonstrate the flexibility to effectively work beside individuals with different expertise and characteristics to strategically implement short-term and long-term goals for the betterment of the organization.
Must have the ability to manage, motivate, and lead staff.
Must be able to keep sensitive information confidential and manage confidential documents appropriately (attorney-client privilege, work product privilege, general confidentiality obligations, etc.).
Must be customer service oriented and team with other departments to provide the legal support necessary to achieve organizational goals.
Ability to work independently without frequent, direct supervision and to remain focused on goals and objectives.
Must be able to work under stressful conditions, effectively manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Must be able to manage a budget in a cost-effective manner.

Nice To Haves

Other business-focused legal experience

Responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Providing strategic legal guidance to RMEF’s leadership team and Board of Directors
Reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts
Developing and implementing policies for various legal and business matters
Overseeing and managing litigation
Supporting mission-driving initiatives including but not limited to land acquisitions, conservation easements, and philanthropic development
Advising on employment law and related matters
Ensuring compliance with, and assist in strategy related to, advocacy and political areas of work by the organization
Ensuring RMEF’s ongoing compliance with nonprofit and tax-exempt laws and regulatory requirements
Coordinating the work of outside counsel with appropriate members or RMEF’s leadership team
Advise RMEF’s leadership on legal risks and strategies related to employment law and organization operations
In coordination with RMEF’s Board of Director’s separate legal counsel, advise the Board of Directors and the Governance Committee on fiduciary duties, governance best practices, and other matters
Assist with drafting and updating organizational bylaws and governing documents
Prepare and review Board meeting minutes, resolutions, and other governance materials
Provide legal counsel and training to the Board of Directors and committees as requested
Serve as the organization’s Secretary, consistent with RMEF’s Bylaws
Provide legal guidance for RMEF’s Mission Operations department’s initiatives, including but not limited to land transactions, access agreements, conservation easement acquisitions, and compliance requirements
Provide legal assistance related to major gifts, planned giving, and other philanthropic and donor-based activities
Work closely with RMEF’s Human Resources department and outside counsel to provide legal guidance on employment matters, policies, and regulatory compliance
Serve as the key attorney/legal advisor on major business transactions, including but not limited to acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, etc., as requested
Assist with the negotiation of complex transaction, as requested
Supervises RMEF’s legal staff, oversees external legal counsel for the Board of Directors, and oversees other outside legal counsel as requested
Perform other work as required