The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal advisor for Room to Read, providing strategic legal guidance and support to the organization. This role will involve overseeing all legal matters, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and mitigating legal risks. The General Counsel will report to the Chief Financial Officer, serve on the Chief Financial Officer’s Senior Leadership Team and will manage the Deputy General Counsel. The GC will work closely with other senior leaders across Room to Read to support the organization's mission and goals. The General Counsel will act as a senior legal leader in the organization – being the seniormost legal advisor and leader on internal policy and risk committees, as well as general leadership teams and will collaborate cross functionally to proactively provide legal support and to ensure that Room to Read’s culture and strategic direction are aligned with legal protections and forward-thinking legal needs.
Risk Management and Legal Operations (50%)
Manage and coordinate legal matters with external counsel, including litigation, contract negotiations, tax regulations, employment matters, data privacy and protection laws, intellectual property, cause marketing, donor agreements and legacy matters, as well as other legal proceedings.
Manage the Legal function, establishing strategic direction, setting annual goals and outcomes. Lead, mentor and manage the Deputy General Counsel and a legal assistant and leverage the pro-bono legal community where appropriate. Serve on the Chief Financial Officer’s Senior Leadership Team.
Leverage technology solutions, including AI, legal technology platforms or contract management systems, to improve functional effectiveness.
Strategic Advisory and Compliance (30%)
Provide strategic legal advice and support to the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Leadership Team, the global board of directors as well as other senior leaders on a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, employment law, and corporate governance.
Responsibility to respond to and advise on issues of global scale, and within all Room to Read operating countries. Maintain and apply global and country-specific legal knowledge, undertake necessary research and leverage local legal services.
Ensure compliance with international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly those related to non-profit organizations.
Organization Support and Culture (20%)
Support the organization's mission and values by promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency. In collaboration with People Operations, lead the global whistleblower policy assurance (including investigations) and provide reports to the Audit Committee of the Board, the CEO, CFO and Chief of People Operations.
Strong knowledge of contract law, compliance, intellectual property, employment law, data privacy, cybersecurity and corporate governance.
The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 per year Compensation may vary depending on several factors including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, and relevant education or certifications.
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education. We are achieving this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and by supporting girls as they build life skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. We collaborate with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. Room to Read has benefited more than 45 million children and has worked in 24 countries and in more than 213,000 communities, providing additional support through remote solutions that facilitate learning beyond the classroom. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.
Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
Location(s)
Global Office - Remote - United States
To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:
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Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization
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Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change
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Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
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Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration
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Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment
Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
