Associate General Counsel

About the role

The Associate General Counsel provides legal counsel across grantmaking, investments, contracts, and corporate governance for a major philanthropic foundation. Reporting to the Vice President, General Counsel, the role partners with program and investment teams to shape legal frameworks and manage risk.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal counsel to grantmaking teams, drafting agreements and ensuring compliance with private foundation tax rules.
• Review, draft, and negotiate documentation for traditional and impact investment portfolios.
• Draft and negotiate a broad range of contracts, including technology, data‑privacy, licensing, and vendor agreements.
• Develop templates, policies, and playbooks to support consistent risk management across the foundation.
• Assist with board materials, corporate governance documents, and regulatory filings for the foundation and its affiliates.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor from an accredited institution and admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligibility for in‑house counsel).
• At least five years of experience as a practicing lawyer, preferably with in‑house nonprofit experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and provide strategic legal guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for translating complex legal analysis.

Required skills

• Knowledge of private foundation tax law and nonprofit governance.
• Experience with investment and impact‑investment transactions.
• Familiarity with data‑privacy, technology agreements, and AI governance matters.
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating contracts and legal memoranda.