Reports to: General Counsel and Senior Vice President
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Administration
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 9
Compensation range: $140,000–$168,000
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)
American Progress has an opening for a Deputy General Counsel to join its Legal Team. The Legal Team manages legal matters for the Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational think tank, as well as its affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, the Center for American Progress Action Fund, which are together known as American Progress. This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation but changing the country.
The Center for American Progress is a progressive think tank that works on issues across the policy spectrum, placing particular emphasis on developing a long-term vision of a progressive America and finding innovative ways to communicate policy analyses, recommendations, and values. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute that advocates for bold, progressive ideas through public education as well as some lobbying and political activities. Both organizations engage in expansive programmatic activities aligned with their mission and values, including policy research, publications and other web content, public events, and partnerships with other organizations.
The Deputy General Counsel will be part of a dynamic team that supports work across American Progress’ five crosscutting policy priorities:
Building an economy for all
Restoring social trust in democracy
Advancing racial equity and justice
Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
Strengthening health
The legal issues facing American Progress are diverse and intricate. The Legal Team works closely with senior management, staff, and contractors in a fast-paced environment to design and implement institutional compliance procedures. The Legal Team also responds to any other daily legal needs of American Progress. Legal areas of focus include nonprofit tax law, ethics and lobbying rules, election law, contracting, corporate governance, media law, and employment law.
The Deputy General Counsel will collaborate closely with the General Counsel to oversee all aspects of legal compliance, risk management, and corporate governance, as well as to manage the workflow of the Legal Team.
Responsibilities:
Ensure compliance with a broad array of complex and intersecting legal regimes, including IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, federal and state lobbying laws, campaign finance and election laws, ethics, corporate governance, intellectual property, data privacy, media, employment and labor, and contract law.
Design and implement internal compliance and tracking procedures, including staff legal guidance, time sheets, and conflict management processes.
Conduct staff trainings.
Draft, review, and interpret contracts—including grant agreements—between American Progress and third parties, with the support of Legal Assistants.
Prepublication review of papers, press releases, and other American Progress work product to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Provide legal and strategic advice to help staff plan and structure new projects in compliance with applicable law.
Assist with corporate filings such as IRS Form 990s, Lobbying Disclosure Act reports, and state charitable registrations.
Respond to government audits and official inquiries, as well as threats of litigation or other adverse action.
Support the General Counsel and the Human Resources department on labor and employment matters.
Conduct weekly check-ins with the Legal Assistants, serve as a day-to-day resource for the Legal Counsels, and manage projects.
Support the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on corporate governance matters, including board meetings for both organizations.
Resolve routine and novel legal issues or questions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
J.D. and a license to practice law.
At least six years of relevant legal experience.
Preferred candidates will have experience in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit law, as well as demonstrated knowledge of government lobbying and ethics, employment and labor, media, election, and/or intellectual property law.
Significant personnel and project management experience.
Proven ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Agility to manage shifting priorities, exercise good judgment with complex matters, and quickly respond to the unexpected.
Demonstrated success working in a generalist capacity and balancing multiple projects at once.
Creative focus on achieving project goals while managing legal risks.
Ability to communicate with legal and nonlegal stakeholders.
Positive attitude and team-oriented approach.
Sense of humor.
Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $140,000–$168,000.
American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.