Legal Counsel

We contribute to education, culture and environmental protection

The Hasso Plattner Foundation aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies through science and education, improve access to art and culture, and support environmental conservation. Hasso Plattner is one of the founders of SAP, an enterprise software company, and has been Chairman of its Supervisory Board until 2024.

In 1998, Hasso Plattner founded the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering (HPI), marking his first significant philanthropic contribution. After signing the Giving Pledge (initiated by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet), he established the foundation in 2015.

The Hasso Plattner Foundation’s main office is in Potsdam, Germany.

A career at the Hasso Plattner Foundation can offer you

Purpose – You will be working for one of the world's largest foundations (by endowment) and will have the opportunity to actively shape our philanthropic activities and operations.

Personal growth – We are a fast-growing organization looking for excellent talent. You will be working directly with high-level executives and senior stakeholders at our projects and the Foundation’s organs, and you will have plenty of opportunities to grow into more senior roles.

Agility – Our organization is characterized by flat hierarchies, motivated and driven teams, and a non-bureaucratic environment.

Position

We are looking for a dynamic legal generalist with in-depth economic understanding. In this role, you are exposed to exciting, non-mainstream, and alternative legal matters. The Legal Counsel will serve as a key advisor on all legal-related matters impacting the organization. This role requires a blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a self-starter mentality. With your proven project management skills, you will help take our legal processes to the next level and execute projects in a stand-alone manner.

Major Tasks

1. Work with program teams to draft, review, and advise on funding proposals and new program areas.
2. Work closely with the program, controlling, and tax team to maintain and upgrade funding documentation.
3. Own all legal aspects of the Foundation’s shareholder relationships.
4. Actively participate and lead in various projects as legal support for the organization.
5. Proactively identify, analyze, and respond to legislative developments affecting the organization.
6. Support and lead the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures.
7. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

1. Excellent law degree.
2. Minimum of 2-4 years of experience working in a reputable firm or in-house position with a demonstrated record of success.
3. Results-driven; motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and a sense of urgency.
4. Proactive team player with excellent communication skills.
5. Ability to challenge appropriately and voice alternative perspectives and viewpoints.
6. Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
7. Open and receptive to feedback.
8. Innovative and entrepreneurial; can formulate and develop new or creative approaches to problems and inspire others on the team to do so as well.

What else do we offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Support to pursue professional training.
• Multi-day team events.
• Public transport ticket.
• State-of-the-art IT equipment.
• Working in a beautiful office in Potsdam with a lake view.
• Free lunch, fruits, drinks, excellent coffee, and opportunities for outdoor sports activities.

To Apply

We look forward to receiving your application (CV, diplomas, references) compiled as one PDF document with your salary expectations and earliest entry date.