Chief Legal Counsel

Summary:

AIPAC’s mission is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel. Our focus is clear, we come to work every day motivated to keep America strong and Israel secure.

The Chief Legal Counsel position is responsible for providing effective and thorough legal guidance to AIPAC, its 501(c)(3) charitable foundation (American Israel Education Foundation), its connected PAC (AIPAC PAC), and its affiliated Super PAC (United Democracy Project). In collaboration with AIPAC’s General Counsel and CFO, the In-House Counsel identifies and addresses various legal issues in a timely, thorough and responsive manner. This position interfaces with senior management and employees.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensure organization’s compliance with relevant state and federal labor and employment law; ensure proper handling of internal investigations of employee complaints and/or performance issues; identify and research relevant legal and regulatory developments impacting employer/employee relations; conduct relevant trainings in coordination with HR department, liaise and coordinate with outside counsel in handling litigation or threats of litigation, as necessary.
• Oversee legal issues relating to shared services agreement between and among various organizations, including AIPAC, AIEF, AIPAC PAC, and United Democracy Project, and its granting methodology; implement any changes to methodology when necessary.
• Oversee contract drafting, negotiation and management in areas such as hotel and event contracts, office leases (in coordination with outside counsel), data privacy and cybersecurity contracts, digital marketing MSAs and SOWs, NDAs, and consulting agreements.
• Manage corporate governance matters, including providing legal support for the board and its committees; preparing materials and resolutions for board and committee meetings, and updates to corporate charters and policies.
• Ensure organizational compliance with federal and state/local lobbying, ethics, and gift laws; provide necessary counsel and training to employees regarding Foreign Agents Registration Act.
• Advise employees regarding relevant political laws, including without limitation FEC and campaign finance laws, and their impact on organizational operations and programs.
• Work closely with Development and Finance teams on donations, gifts, and grants to AIPAC and AIEF to ensure compliance with gift acceptance policies and tax-related issues.
• Coordinate with Finance Department on legal issues pertaining to organizational financial filings, including annual 990s.
• Oversee and supervise annual review and renewal of insurance risks and coverage for the various organizations.
• Regularly coordinate with outside counsel on ERISA issues related to 401k and deferred compensation plans.
• Manage and oversee legal issues related to AIPAC cybersecurity policies and protocols.
• Oversee and protect intellectual property issues related to organizational marks, in coordination with outside counsel.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications department on expanding digital marketing efforts, including without limitation, review of ads and marketing materials and review of website(s) terms and policies.
• Confirm that AIEF trips are in full compliance with relevant federal and state ethics laws; provide necessary education and training to relevant staff; serve as a point of contact to government ethics regulators as necessary.
• Proactively anticipate areas that present potential risks to the organizations and develop plans to address them.
• Perform other responsibilities, as necessary, in addition to those listed above.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in legal operations within a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Law Degree from an accredited law school, with D.C. bar admission preferred.
• Experience in some or all of the following areas: non-profit, tax, governance, employment, contract negotiation and management, data privacy and cybersecurity, federal and state ethics and lobbying laws, and FEC experience.
• A litigation background is strongly desired.
• Exceptional legal skills - ability to work independently, utilize analytical and personal skills contemporaneously, and provide sound analysis and recommendations on diverse issues, with strong attention to detail
• Strong business acumen with a proven ability to evaluate the costs, risks, and benefits associated with alternative actions before making decisions. Effectively lead the implementation of new approaches in an evolving risk environment.
• Strong collaboration skills and an interest in ensuring strong cross-functional and enterprise-wide relationships with an ability to partner effectively with others in the pursuit of common goals. Ability to navigate a matrix organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – Ability to interface effectively with staff and organization executives, as well as AIPAC’s lay leadership.
• Ability to support multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment and communicate priorities effectively.

AIPAC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that contributes to employees' overall total compensation package. We are currently working remotely two days a week and in our offices the other three.

Posting Instructions

• Please provide a cover letter with a resume to be considered. Incomplete applications with missing documentation will not be considered.

• In states, where permissible, AIPAC requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID 19 and will consider accommodations for medical and religious exemptions.

• If applying for more than one position please use the 'Attachment' function to attach a position-specific cover letter.
• Please use your legal names when completing the employment application (No nicknames).
• AIPAC is an equal opportunity employer.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and AIPAC reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as deemed appropriate.