General Counsel

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future.

For more information about Ceres, please visit: www.ceres.org.

Description and Responsibilities

The General Counsel will provide legal counsel, strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO/President) and organizational leaders on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues. The candidate should possess substantial experience in drafting, reviewing, research, and negotiating agreements. We seek a highly motivated, self-starter with experience in general law, employment law, regulatory policy, or environmental and law litigation and legal practice. The position will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

This role is a full-time position that is remote or may be based in Boston, MA or Washington, D.C. Candidate must be flexible to work with employees in all U.S. time zones.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide legal counsel to the CEO and other senior leaders, operations staff, and communication and program on a range of legal matters complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws

Conduct legal research and analyze legal issues that affect the organization’s programmatic work and prepare findings, recommendations, templates, and plans to effectively advise the organization or specific team leaders

Partner with program teams as they develop programmatic strategies to provide legal guidance that allows program staff to maximize their impact

Partner with program leaders and external stakeholders to file all required federal, state, and local disclosures related to lobbying, campaign finance, grants, and other related issues

Support internal People/Human Resources needs for employee and contractor matters as needed and serve as a thought partner to the Chief Operations Officer and VP of Human Resources on employment and benefits administration issues

Reviews all Ceres sub-agreements, grant and contract templates for accuracy, compliance and coverage under US and local laws and regulations as well as donor regulations and policies

Reviews all new Ceres contracts with vendors and consultants before execution, providing guidance on improvements

Contributes to periodic reviews and revisions of all organizational policies and procedures, including the Employee Handbook, Procurement, Accounting, Cybersecurity and other matters for context relative to overarching federal and local laws and requirements

Monitor the organization's risk management program in a manner that fulfills the mission and strategic goals of the organization while complying with external and internal requirements

Manage the organization’s trademark portfolio and advise the Communications staff on issues related to intellectual property, including licensing of images and other content

Qualifications

Minimum of 15 years of experience in general law and litigation, and/or employee relations, mediation, environmental law, or regulatory issues

In good standing with State Bar in Massachusetts or District of Columbia, preferred

Knowledge of or experience performing litigation, mediations, and disputes in employment law and general legal issues

Demonstrate planning and project management skills to deliver projects within deadline and budget

Sound judgment and high level of integrity and professionalism, with an ability to manage confidential information and maintain discretion, diplomacy, and courtesy in all contacts

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), other database applications, teleconference and webinar systems and standard e-mail computer applications

Interest and willingness to be trained on specific Ceres’ applications necessary for success: Salesforce, Bloomberg, and others

Desire to work in a not-for-profit, advocacy-focused organization

Interest in being part of a diverse workforce and willingness to support Ceres’ Commitment to Inclusion and Equity

Willingness to travel as needed

Compensation: The salary range is $175,000 to $185,000 and pairs with competitive benefits.

How to Apply

Join our team by applying to Careers at Ceres. We encourage all applicants to review our website to learn more about Ceres’ goals, mission, and values. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of three references.

Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.