Associate General Counsel - Real Estate and Impact Investing

Habitat for Humanity International; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance options

Retirement plan contributions

Vacation leave

Job summary

A nonprofit organization based in Atlanta is seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel specializing in real estate and impact investing. This role requires a J.D. and 6–12 years of experience in legal practice, focusing on affordable housing finance and regulatory compliance. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range of $144,000-$169,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6–12 years of legal practice experience, especially in real estate-secured financing.
• Experience with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead attorney for Habitat Capital, supervising closings and advising on legal documents.
• Provide USO leadership and strategic counsel for real estate issues.
• Manage compliance with government and funding programs.

Skills

Legal practice

Real estate financing

Regulatory compliance

Consumer lending

Project management

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is currently seeking a talented legal professional for the role of an Associate General Counsel - Real Estate and Impact Investing position. This individual is a member of the HFHI Legal Department and reports to the Deputy General Counsel. This attorney focuses on affordable housing finance and real estate issues and programs relevant to our more than 900 U.S. based Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

The role functions as a strategic legal advisor, providing legal and compliance related counsel and support for Habitat Capital, a nationally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), as well as any special purpose real estate financing entities. Habitat Capital (H-Cap) is a wholly owned entity of Habitat for Humanity International and was created to primarily serve our domestic network of community affiliates. H-Cap provides an array of services to Habitat affiliates to support their work as affordable mortgage originators, real estate developers, homebuilders, mortgage financed real estate developers, and partners for housing and community solutions.

This position is hybrid and based in our HFHI Administrative Headquarters office in Atlanta, GA. While candidates may be remotely based within the U.S., those located outside of Georgia will be required to travel to the HFHI Administrative office in Atlanta, GA at least once per month.

Key Responsibilities

Lead in-house attorney for Habitat Capital: (85%)

• Lead attorney to supervise closings for Habitat Capital to Affiliate loans including loan document preparation and collateral review.
• Review and advise on governance and legal documents for investor and donor facility structures.
• Provide review, analysis and guidance on consumer mortgage regulatory matters.
• Review of structured credit and secondary market sale programs as well as the development of related legal documents.
• Assist with ongoing regulatory matters related to primary regulator of Habitat Capital, the CDFI Fund within the Department of Treasury.
• Manage outside counsel relationships for the above ongoing work and special projects as identified by the Habitat Capital business team.
• Design and maintenance of efficient program processes.
• Vendor contract management, review and negotiation.
• General legal support related to impact investment opportunities and related activities.

General Support for U.S. Office (USO) and U.S. Affiliates on Real Estate and other Legal Matters: (10%)

• Provide USO leadership and U.S. Affiliates strategic counsel on various real estate and consumer mortgage issues, including purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, easements, licenses and construction contracts.
• Coordinate ongoing review and update of sample real estate and consumer lending documents, disclosures and related documents.
• Provide general legal support to Habitat in areas of real estate acquisition, leasing, finance and related regulatory matters, tax issues, compliance and risk management.
• Assist in development and review of legal content, templates and forms for Habitat for Humanity Knowledge Center, especially with respect to real estate and consumer mortgage lending activities of affiliate.
• Respond to inquiries from affiliates on various issues, including legal and policy compliance and risk management.
• Provide support for government (e.g., Department of Treasury and HUD) and impact investor funded programs, as well as technical assistance to U.S. Habitat affiliates accessing federal funds directly from their local grantees, Federal Home Loan Bank affordable housing programs, and state housing finance agency programs.

Other duties as assigned: (5%)

No specific duties listed, but general assistance may be required as needed.

Key Requirements

• J.D. Degree and license to practice law.
• 6–12 years of legal practice experience, including significant experience with real estate–secured financing transactions, real estate lending, and affordable housing development.
• Experience with consumer lending financial institutions and products, regulatory compliance and licensing.
• Experience with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including governance, operations, and financing.
• Experience with low income-housing programs/projects.
• Demonstrated experience advising clients with complex, multi‑entity and affiliated structures.
• Ability to act as a thought partner and trusted counsel to more than 900 U.S. based Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple projects and collaborating across departments.

Active support of HFHI Values & Commitments

• Humility - We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
• Courage - We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
• Accountability - We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.

Safeguarding

HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Benefits and Compensation

The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including location, internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. HFHI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that varies by country and typically includes vacation leave, sick leave, personal days, health insurance options, retirement plan contributions and life insurance. For work locations in the US, the hiring range for this position is $144,000-$169,000.