General Counsel

Civil Air Patrol • Montgomery, AL

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide operations! We’re seeking a General Counsel to serve as the principal legal officer for Civil Air Patrol (CAP), providing strategic legal counsel and risk management guidance to executive leadership, the Board of Governors, and other organizational stakeholders. The General Counsel oversees legal affairs, governance, risk management, litigation management, contracts, and legal and regulatory compliance to protect CAP's interests and support achievement of its mission and objectives.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in an American state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Ten or more years of progressive legal experience, including significant responsibility for governance, compliance, litigation, contracts, or organizational risk management
• Experience advising executive leaders, governing boards, or senior leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with volunteer leadership (legal officers and otherwise) in a joint employee/volunteer structure.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within nonprofit, government, military, or similarly complex organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a legal advisor to executive leadership, the Board of Governors, and organizational stakeholders on legal, governance, compliance, employment, and risk management matters while supporting organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Serves as the primary corporate legal officer for CAP, working in collaboration with the Chief of the Legal Officer Corps and other volunteers from the Legal Officer Corps to coordinate corporate strategy, align risk management, and ensure cohesive legal guidance across staff and volunteer operations.
• Oversees the review and negotiation of contracts, agreements, real property leases, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), legal aspects of the CAP-USAF cooperative agreement, and other legal and regulatory instruments affecting the organization.
• Monitors compliance with federal regulations, state laws, 501(c)(3) nonprofit governance requirements, and internal CAP regulations.
• Advises on youth protection regulations, employment law, liability exposure, and organizational risk mitigation strategies across staff and volunteer populations.
• Leads and develops employees, legal professionals, and other resources supporting CAP's legal, governance, compliance, and risk management functions.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and performance oversight while fostering accountability, professional excellence, and collaboration.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Training programs and certification support.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage.
• Supplemental Insurance: Disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior