General Counsel

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

At the Alzheimer’s Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,700 employees across the United States makes a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and those at risk for the disease.

We warmly invite qualified applicants to consider this opportunity to make a life changing impact on the millions living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and those that may be diagnosed with the disease in the future. Read on to learn more about the role, then visit our website www.alz.org to find out more about who we are and why we've been recognized as a Best Place to Work the last eleven years in a row.

Position Summary:

The Alzheimer’s Association® is seeking a dynamic and accomplished corporate counsel with the demonstrated ability to manage diverse legal issues, an in-house legal department and the legal affairs/governance of a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation with related entities.

Responsibilities

Essential functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Provide expert and strategic legal advice to executive team and all levels of Association staff

Identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks

Advice for legal issues for not for profit corporations

Work with internal and external auditors

Employment law advice and investigation of claims

Interact and collaborate with external parties (regulatory authorities, external counsel, vendors, donors, and sponsors)

Manage external counsel and direct litigation strategy

Negotiation and drafting of contracts/grants and MOUs

Support the Office of the CEO board relations staff and board of directors committees as requested

Expertise in estate/trust gift law and claim contest matters

Review of direct mail and donor communications/solicitations

Knowledge of trademark law, usage and cease and desist letters

Oversee all charitable solicitation registrations, annual reports and assumed name filings

Form 990 and annual report review

Compliance line and conflict of interest issues

Qualifications

J.D. degree

Advanced degree a plus

Admission to the Illinois bar

15+ years of progressive, relevant experience, including experience in the non-profit industry

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong business and financial acumen as well as superior writing skills

Ability to build strong relationships and to become a trusted resource

Computer literacy including Microsoft Office suite and Google applications

Strong leadership experience to lead a small team of attorneys and paralegal

Ability to successfully navigate a highly matrixed and collaborative organization and work as part of a team

Confidence to challenge existing practices, as appropriate

Highest standards of professionalism and ethics

Tolerance for stress and multi-tasking

Crisis management skills

Ability to travel by plane within the US

Estimated travel up to 20%

Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing. They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.

Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing, plus Caregiver Leave.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.