Counsel

Northside Catholic; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a corporate counsel to advise on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters within a large nonprofit setting. The role supports leadership and committees, drafting governance documents and ensuring adherence to applicable laws.

The ideal candidate holds a J.D., Illinois licensure, and 5–8 years with nonprofits or related entities, ready to navigate complex regulatory and fundraising requirements.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Advise senior leadership on corporate legal and governance matters.
• Draft, review, and revise bylaws, policies, resolutions, and governance documents.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit corporate laws and governance best practices.
• Advise on tax-exempt status and regulatory filings, including charitable solicitation regulations.
• Support fundraising compliance and related governance activities.

Skills

Nonprofit law

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Drafting & negotiation

Communication to stakeholders

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Illinois bar admission

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.