General Counsel

General Counsel oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the association to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law. Provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, leadership and other members of senior management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the association around the world.

The successful General Counsel strikes a balance through combining Christ-centered spiritual maturity, ability to get results through business management skills and courageous leadership by building equity with leadership and driving transformative initiatives as the business of the ministry. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Essential Job Functions

Upholds an abiding, visible relationship with Jesus Christ which is evidenced by a heart for God and translates into a genuine, deep love for others. Is passionately concerned that others also know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The fruits of the leader’s faith will show in his/her character, attitude, time, dedication, church involvement, energy, and wisdom.

Provides legal counsel and guidance to the officers of the association and other leadership on all legal matters relevant to a not-for-profit ministry, including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and laws pertaining to real estate transactions, contracts, royalties and grants, tax matters, worker's compensation, liability and insurance matters, public monies and purchases, affirmative action, maintenance of copy-right and other laws and regulations and estate law.

Anticipates and identifies legal issues and counsels officers of the institution and other leadership in order to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of great political, public relations, or financial risk or significance, and with limited time for assessing alternatives.

Reviews, researches, interprets, and prepares both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues.

Drafts, reviews, and approves current & future policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents.

Reviews contracts, leases, and other legal documents; research legal issues and recommends revisions as necessary.

Represents or oversees the representation of the association and upper management in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other agencies.

Selects and retains outside counsel, if required, to obtain legal opinions or to handle claims and litigation.

Supervises legal work of other association attorneys, paralegals, and outside counsel; consults on difficult or sensitive issues.

Provides training to the headquarters staff on various legal issues through seminars and meetings.

Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in not-for-profit ministry law and in other related areas.

Operates as a senior business leader with insights and contributions to the organization’s overall service strategy, priorities and future direction.

Completes special projects or other duties as assigned.

Working Relationships

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

People Management Responsibility: None

Works Closely With: (Internally) Executive Director, Executive Committee, Executive Team, Leadership Team, All Employees

(Externally) National Association Executive Directors, Outside Vendors

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Training & Development

Non-physical

Ability to develop and deliver presentations.

Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a large corporate or centralized institutional legal office.

Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.

Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to senior association officials on a wide range of legal and policy issues.

Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact on all facets of not-for-profit ministry policy and operations.

Ability to analyze and interpret issues and to prepare legal opinions.

Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.

Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in area of expertise.

Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals, paraprofessionals, and consultants.

Knowledge of international law is essential.

Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.

Negotiating skills.

Knowledge and understanding of association policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.

Knowledge of contract law.

Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.

Knowledge of the judicial system and procedures.

Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements.

Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.

Knowledge of community legal resources.

Physical

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

Occasional travel by automobile and air.

Mission Critical Competencies

Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual maturity and insight into Biblical principles.

Spiritual Leadership: Ability to provide spiritual leadership and set example of Christ-centered excellence and integrity in all relationships and areas of responsibility.

Communication Skills: An effective and diplomatic communicator who can train staff, readily communicate from the platform, strong listening, verbal and writing skills with a willingness to share information.

Foster open communications and approachability.

Decision Quality: Proven decision-making skills with ability to manage under pressure.

Actively learns, demonstrates and fosters The Gideons International corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive role model for others to emulate.

Ability to understand the fundamental business drivers and communicate the state of business and provide strategic recommendations to the executive team and the leadership team.

Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, plus excellent organization skills.

Proven ability to keep a big picture perspective while dealing with very detailed information.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Positive and constructive attitude.

Business acumen

Managerial courage

Ability to challenge the status quo

Learns continuously

Manage execution

Work Environment and Time Requirements

The General Counsel usually works in an office environment, but the mission of the Association may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.

The General Counsel will work a standard work week, but additionally will often work evenings and weekends to accommodate necessary activities.

Ability to travel domestic and international, as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school; at least 10 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Member of Tennessee State Bar, or member in good standing of the State Bar

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Demonstrable passion for The Gideons International mission with an absolute commitment to maintain above reproach ethical standards and Christ-like integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

A Gideon member in good standing.

If married, wife a member of The Auxiliary of The Gideons International.

This Job Description is for general purposes and guidelines only and should not be considered all-inclusive. Neither does the receipt of this job description constitute an employment contract. Furthermore, it should be known that this list of job requirements is subject to change without written notice.