General Counsel

Organization Overview: Graham Windham has been a leading innovator for New York City’s children, families, and communities since 1806. Graham is distinguished by its approach to co-creating its transformational vision along with children, families, staff, and partners. Graham provides supports to children and families whose abundant capacities are frequently held back by injustice and insufficient resources and opportunity. Grounded in these realities, evidence about what works, and the wisdom of youth and families, we have innovated and demonstrated the success of life-changing approaches that are being adopted in and beyond New York City.

With an annual operating budget of $55+ million, Graham provides a range of youth and family programs at 12 sites in Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, including family support, school & community-based centers, youth education and career coaching, mental health and wellness, family foster care, and adoption. Graham employs approximately 450 staff and reaches over 5,000 young New Yorkers and their families to help them thrive each year.

Position Overview: Graham Windham’s General Counsel is committed to leading with Graham Windham’s organizational pillars (Respect, Grow, Thrive and Lead) to advance the organization’s mission, vision and performance objectives. The General Counsel is a member of the Executive Council and will report to the President and CEO, with the duties and responsibilities listed below:

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Contracts: Review and negotiation of contracts, managing breaches and amendments; advice on developing contracts

Litigation: Manage all litigation related to the organization;

Risk Management: Support organizational risk management. This includes various areas, such as insurance, risk assessments related to new initiatives/funding, and staff training on legal issues.

External Attorneys: Managing relationships with external counsel, including pro bono counsel.

Corporate Governance: Prepare and manage corporate documents related to corporate governance and organizational policy, including corporate registration documents, bylaws and recordkeeping; providing advice on matters related to corporate governance; preparing resolutions; and in collaboration with the President and CEO and the Board Secretary, assisting in preparation of Board of Directors and board committee agendas, materials and minutes

Real estate: provide legal support to the Chief Administrative Officer in real estate matters

Identifying legal issues: support organization in identifying legal issues

Compliance: support organizational compliance with government, funder and contractual requirements and ensure compliance with NY State not-for-profit law

Policies and Procedures: support creation and monitoring of organizational policies and procedures (e.g. HR, record keeping, organizational implementation and upkeep; ensure they’re not in conflict)

Human Resources: consult with and be a resource to the Chief HR Officer. Manage legal issues involving employees (separation, discipline, investigation, complaints), union negotiations and policies and procedures.

Intellectual Property: handle intellectual property-related issues

Qualifications & Requirements

7+ years of experience as an attorney in an organizational or law firm setting

Licensed to practice law in New York State

Excellent legal writing and research skills

Ability to identify legal issues and risks in a wide range of areas

Work is hybrid -- both remote and in-person. Willingness to travel to program and administrative sites in Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Harlem

The following qualifications will be considered a plus:

Experience representing or working for 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations

Experience managing litigation, and familiarity with the NY Child Victims Act and/or Adult Survivors Act a plus

Knowledge of and experience with the law of tax-exempt organizations (IRS/IRC), and regulation of advocacy, including lobbying registration, and reporting

Knowledge of and/or experience with employment law, union contracts, contracts, and transactional law (NLRB/NLRA & FLSA & EEOC)

We recognize that no candidate will have all of these areas of experience and qualifications

Professional Characteristics

Deep commitment to racial and social justice, children and families

Proven ability to center equity in decision-making, process development, and collaboration style Acts with high integrity and professionalism

Superb interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills

Meticulous attention to detail

Ability to respond quickly to questions and issues with succinct and practical advice and to provide legal counsel geared to the goals and values of the organization

Ease in working with Board members and regulatory bodies

Compensation:

$175,000 + merit for performance