Counsel

Archdiocese of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Archdiocese of Chicago in Illinois is seeking a senior in-house counsel to oversee corporate law, governance, and regulatory compliance across its ministries and affiliated entities.

The role advises senior leadership, drafts bylaws and governance policies, coordinates board materials and minutes, and ensures 501(c)(3) tax-exemption compliance and charitable solicitation filings.

The position is hybrid, with compensation in the range of $97,136–$123,849 depending on education and experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and active Illinois license.
• 5–8 years in nonprofit, government, or in-house legal roles.
• Experience advising tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit boards.

Responsibilities

• Advise senior leadership on corporate legal and governance matters.
• Draft and review bylaws, policies, resolutions, and governance documents.
• Prepare meeting materials and minutes for boards and committees.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit corporate laws and governance best practices.
• Monitor nonprofit regulatory compliance and tax-exempt requirements.
• Oversee charitable solicitation and grant-related compliance.

Skills

Nonprofit governance

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal risk assessment

Communication to non-legalStakeholders

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active IL bar license

Job description

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

Legal counsel for corporate law issues, tax-exemption issues, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, charitable giving strategies. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the Archdiocese of Chicago while supporting its mission and strategic objectives

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Corporate Law & Governance

• Advise senior leadership on corporate legal and governance matters
• Draft, review, and revise bylaws, policies, resolutions, and governance documents
• Support board, consultative council and committee meetings, including preparation and review of meeting materials and minutes.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit corporate laws and governance best practices
• Manage client’s corporate relationships with separate legal entities included on the applicable combined financial reports

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor compliance with federal and state nonprofit laws and regulations.
• Advise on tax-exempt status requirements under Section 501(c)(3) or other applicable IRS classifications.
• Prepare, review, or oversee regulatory filings, including annual reports and charitable solicitation registrations.
• Develop compliance programs and internal policies.

Fundraising and Development

• Advise on charitable solicitation laws and fundraising regulations.
• Review gift acceptance policies, sponsorship arrangements, and restricted gift documentation.
• Support compliance related to grants contributions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Experience

• 5-8 years of legal experience, preferably with nonprofit organizations, law firms, government agencies, or in-house legal departments.
• Experience advising tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit boards or religious organizations.
• Familiarity with federal tax-exemption requirements and charitable solicitation regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit corporate law, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a mission-driven environment and implement associated initiatives.
• High ethical standards and professional judgment.
• Candidate should be fully comfortable working to support the goals and mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Roman Catholic Church

Working Conditions

• Religious employer who fosters a Catholic working environment
• Primarily office-based or hybrid work environment.
• Attendance as needed at board meetings, fundraising events, and organizational functions.
• May require limited travel

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here

This position has a salary range of $97,136 - $123,849. An employee’s pay within the range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.