Young America’s Foundation (YAF) is the leading young conservative organization, introducing high school and college students to the Conservative Movement. As the principal outreach organization of the Conservative Movement, YAF leverages its robust campus lecture program and essential conferences to inspire thousands of students annually with the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values. YAF also preserves and protects Ronald Reagan’s ranch home, Rancho del Cielo, in Santa Barbara, California, and the Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois.
The General Counsel will oversee YAF’s legal efforts under the direction of YAF’s president.
This is an in-office position based at YAF’s national headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
Description:
The General Counsel will oversee and advise on all legal issues for YAF and be responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal, governance, tax, and other requirements.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Overseeing the research, development, and execution of an overarching litigation strategy to advance YAF’s mission
- Overseeing YAF’s legal team
- Advising the YAF president, executive team, and Board of Directors on various matters, such as legal rights and new and existing laws
- Identifying and evaluating emerging legal issues as they relate to the YAF and offering legal expertise on the best ways to advance YAF’s interests
- Overseeing YAF’s legal efforts to protect student rights, including public record requests and free speech litigation
- Examining and creating draft agreements, such as employer and vendor agreements
- Maintaining knowledge of YAF’s operations and legal documents and preserving corporate records
- Managing YAF’s legal matters and engaging and liaising with outside counsel as necessary
- Coordinating with allied attorney organizations on case partnerships and opportunities
- Preparing and presenting effective oral and written reports
- Ensuring compliance with all professional and ethical standards and requirements for staff
- Preparing and editing materials to guide YAF staff on legal issues, including employee manuals, contracts, employment agreements, and employee relations policies as needed
- Assist YAF’s development and planned giving teams with the collection of planned gifts and other donations as necessary
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned. YAF reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- Must have an active bar license
- 5+ years of full-time work experience in the practice of law
- Knowledge of statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations
- Experience in compliance and corporate governance
- High degree of professional ethics, discretion, and integrity
- Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks and propose effective solutions
- Sound judgment and ability to analyze situations and information
- Strong commitment to the principles of the Conservative Movement, including traditional values, free enterprise, limited government, and a strong national defense
- Proficient understanding of organizational sensitivities and confidentiality
- Familiarity with employment law in California, Illinois, and Virginia – a plus
- Understanding of and appreciation for the role of planned giving in non-profit fundraising
Knowledge/Skills/Characteristics:
- Committed to and enthusiastic about Young America’s Foundation’s mission and programs
- Willingness to be creative and explore legal opportunities to advance YAF’s mission while also protecting YAF’s interests
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Commitment to life-long learning and continuing education in the legal field as it pertains to non-profit organizations
- Willingness to travel (approximate travel: 10%)
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Ability to work as a collaborative, constructive team member
Application Instructions:
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to YAF’s mission and how you came to those beliefs
- Salary requirements
- Resume
- A list of 3-5 professional references (Incomplete applications, i.e., those suggesting references upon request, will not be considered.
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
