Junior Counsel - Temporary

TSNE • Boston, MA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) provides capacity-building, consulting, training, and operational support to nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. TSNE is committed to justice, progress, impact, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Under the guidance of the Associate General Counsel, the temporary Junior Counsel supports TSNE and its fiscally sponsored projects (FSPs) in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-based environment. The role primarily manages contracting needs for FSPs and TSNE programs, balancing efficient drafting and review with attention to detail and sound application of legal principles. The position requires understanding the distinct legal roles and responsibilities of TSNE and its FSPs, communicating effectively with clients and colleagues, and providing responsive customer service.

This temporary, full-time position is expected to begin on or around November 16, 2026, and end by December 24, 2026. It is 37.5 hours per week, with hours flexible within reason. Work is performed between TSNE’s Boston office and the employee’s home office, with occasional on-site attendance for client engagements and meetings. The salary is $4,788.47 bi-weekly. The position is not eligible for benefits.

Requirements

• Law degree from an accredited law school and an active license in good standing to practice law in Massachusetts.
• 1–3 years of experience negotiating and drafting contracts of various types at substantial volume.
• Demonstrable experience with contract management systems and ability to manage a high-volume contract portfolio.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and CRM programs such as Salesforce.
• Familiarity with contracts management software and ability to identify and implement technology solutions for contracts administration.
• Ability to manage and organize multiple projects, pay close attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide responsive, high-level customer service.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including fluency in English.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle challenging stakeholder situations tactfully and diplomatically.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced, diverse environment, move past challenges, and find solutions.
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for TSNE’s mission and the work of social and economic justice organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences; demonstrate integrity, ethics, and professionalism; build productive relationships; and collaborate across the organization.
• Computer skills and willingness to learn additional platforms, and ability to understand and follow applicable staff policies and procedures.
• Exceptional discretion and judgment; ability to build relationships and serve as a trusted advisor, teammate, subject matter expert, or coach.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of how to foster an inclusive, culturally sensitive environment; willingness to ask questions, learn, and give and receive feedback constructively.
• Strong analytical skills, adaptability, flexibility in managing changing priorities, and ability to provide timely, accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods in front of a computer screen; may need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and grants for TSNE’s fiscally sponsored projects and internal teams, ensuring compliance with funding terms, applicable laws and regulations, Uniform Guidance, and TSNE policies and procedures.
• Manage assigned contracts through all stages, from drafting and negotiation through signature, within established turnaround timeframes.
• Communicate and collaborate with FSPs and colleagues throughout the contracts process, escalate matters to Legal Team leadership as needed, manage expectations, clarify priorities, and discuss business terms and acceptable modifications.
• Develop an understanding of FSP missions and programs and identify and mitigate potential contractual risks.
• Partner with the Legal Team to provide client services and coordinate across the organization to meet contract needs.
• Work with the Contracts Team, particularly the Contracts Administrator, to maintain organization-wide contract records in Salesforce and shared drives.
• Work with the Contracts Team to evaluate and improve the contracts process for TSNE colleagues and FSPs.
• Complete other position-related tasks and projects as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree