General Counsel

Radio Free Asia; Washington; On-site; USD 195,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Competitive salary

Job summary

Radio Free Asia, based in Washington, D.C., seeks a General Counsel to serve as the chief legal advisor and strategic partner to the executive team. This role is key in navigating complex legal, regulatory, and geopolitical environments to support RFA's mission of delivering uncensored news.

The General Counsel will guide on governance, employment matters, contracts, and compliance while managing legal risks. A competitive salary range of $195,000 - $220,000 is offered, alongside a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Experience in international environments and navigating cross-border legal issues.
• Ability to manage outside counsel and legal budgets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and senior leadership team.
• Develop proactive strategies to identify and manage legal risks.
• Lead the review and negotiation of contracts and legal documents.

Skills

Strategic legal counsel

Legal risk management

Governance and compliance

Employment and labor law

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

Overview

Company Overview

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is an independent, nonprofit news organization with a singular and powerful mission:to provide accurate, uncensored news and information to people living in countries where a free press isrestricted, controlled, or does not exist.

For nearly three decades, RFA has served as a trusted source of independent journalism across Asia,delivering reporting in multiple languages to audiences in China, North Korea, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia,Laos, Myanmar, and other regions where access to reliable information can be limited or activelysuppressed. Through radio broadcasts, digital platforms, and multimedia journalism, RFA provides millions ofpeople with access to facts, perspectives, and stories that might otherwise remain untold.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., RFA operates with full editorial independence as a private, nonprofitorganization funded through a federal grant from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Its journalistsand contributors work in some of the world's most challenging media environments, often navigatingsignificant political, legal, and personal risks in pursuit of truthful reporting.

Today, RFA stands at a pivotal moment. As the global media landscape continues to evolve and geopoliticaltensions reshape the environment in which independent journalism operates, the organization is navigating significant change while remaining steadfast in its commitment to press freedom, accountability, and publicservice.

The issues facing RFA are complex, highly visible, and often unprecedented, requiring thoughtfulleadership, adaptability, and strategic decision-making across every part of the organization.

As funding structures, geopolitical realities, and the media landscape continue to evolve, RFA is rebuildingand positioning itself for the future. This creates a unique opportunity for the General Counsel to help shape the next chapter of the organization and ensure that strong legal, governance, and operational foundationssupport long-term success.

For leaders who are motivated by mission and energized by complexity, RFA offers a rare opportunity tocontribute to work with meaningful global impact. The organization's commitment to journalistic excellence,freedom of expression, and access to information has never been more important—or more relevant—than itis today.

Role Summary

Reporting to the President, the General Counsel (GC) serves as the chief legal advisor and a strategicthought partner to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team of Radio Free Asia (RFA).More than the organization's lead attorney, the General Counsel is an enterprise leader who helps shapedecisions, manage risk, and ensure that the organization can fulfill its mission in an increasingly complexlegal, regulatory, and geopolitical environment.

Radio Free Asia occupies a unique and critically important space. Operating under a congressional mandateand with full editorial independence, RFA delivers accurate and uncensored news and information toaudiences living in countries where free press does not exist. Supporting that mission requires legal leadership that is sophisticated, agile, and deeply grounded inboth sound judgment and organizational strategy.

The General Counsel provides counsel across a broad range of issues including governance, employmentand labor matters, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, federal grant compliance, insurance, and media related legal issues. At the same time, the role extends well beyond traditional legal practice. The GeneralCounsel serves as a trusted advisor to organizational leadership, helping navigate complex questionsinvolving press freedom, censorship, reputational risk, international operations, and the rapidly evolvingexternal environment in which RFA operates.

This leader will work closely with the President and executive team to ensure legal considerations areintegrated into strategic and operational decisions. They will partner with the Board of Directors ongovernance matters and serve as Corporate Secretary, ensuring the organization maintains stronggovernance practices, sound policies, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability.

RFA is operating in a period of significant change and external uncertainty. Accordingly, the General Counselmust bring the judgment, resilience, and adaptability necessary to lead through ambiguity and complexity.Success in the role will require a leader who is equally comfortable serving as counselor, strategist, problem solver, and collaborator, balancing legal considerations with mission priorities and operational realities.

The successful candidate will bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and will be comfortable movingseamlessly between strategic counsel and day-to-day problem solving. They will possess the agility andresilience required to operate effectively in an environment characterized by change, ambiguity, and evolvingpriorities.

The General Counsel oversees relationships with outside counsel and specialized legal resources and isresponsible for ensuring that legal matters are addressed proactively, efficiently, and in a manner thatprotects both the organization and its long-term mission. They will foster trust and credibility across theenterprise through responsiveness, transparency, and a practical approach to problem solving.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the General Counsel will contribute broadly to organizationalstrategy and culture, bringing a collaborative mindset, exceptional judgment, and a deep appreciation for theimportance of independent journalism and freedom of expression.

Responsibilities

Key Near-Term Priorities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and senior leadership team during a period of organizationaltransformation and external uncertainty.
• Strengthen governance practices, legal processes, and enterprise risk management capabilities.
• Evaluate the use of outside counsel and specialized legal resources.
• Provide guidance on matters involving federal grants, labor and employment issues, international operations, and media-related legal risks.
• Support the continued evolution of organizational policies and practices to ensure compliance while enabling operational effectiveness.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors and itscommittees to maintain strong governance and accountability.
• Help the organization navigate emerging legal, regulatory, and geopolitical developments affectinginternational journalism and press freedom.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel and enterprise-wide guidance.
  • Serve as the chief legal advisor to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team on matters involving governance, non-profit organizations, employment and labor law,immigration, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, federal grants, insurance, and regulatorycompliance.
  • Conduct legal research and provide practical, business-focused guidance to support organizational decision-making.
  • Interpret U.S. laws, foreign laws, and international agreements relevant to RFA's operations and international broadcasting activities.
  • Provide guidance regarding issues involving press freedom, censorship, libel, defamation, and other media-related matters.
  • Advise departments across the organization on copyright and fair use, disciplinary actions, licensing, trademarks, internal policies, public statements, and litigation risk mitigation
• Ensure strong governance and compliance practices.
  • Serve as Corporate Secretary and support the Board of Directors through preparation and maintenance of official records and minutes.
  • Provide counsel regarding governance matters, conflicts of interest, and organizational policies.
  • Oversee the review and resolution of conflict-of-interest disclosures.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws and regulations.
  • Provide training and guidance on matters including EEO compliance, copyright, and fair use.
• Oversee legal risk management and external counsel.
  • Develop proactive strategies to identify and manage legal, regulatory, and reputational risks.
  • Oversee insurance programs and ensure appropriate risk management practices are in place.
  • Represent RFA in legal proceedings and coordinate legal strategy when litigation arises.
  • Select, retain, and manage outside counsel and other specialized legal resources.
  • Provide strategic counsel and close collaboration with Director of Journalist Safety to protect RFA employees across all safety-related matters, from risk assessment and training to field operationsand crisis response.
  • Ensure legal matters are handled efficiently and that resources are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support labor and employment matters.
  • Partner with the Chief Operating Officer on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of collective bargaining agreements.
  • Provide counsel on employment and workplace issues involving staff, contractors, and international personnel.
  • Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures that foster compliance and mitigate organizational risk.
• Review contracts and legal agreements.
  • Lead the review and negotiation of contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
  • Recommend revisions and strategies to mitigate risk while supporting organizational goals.
  • Ensure appropriate protections are incorporated into agreements involving vendors, contractors, partners, and service providers.
• Maintain legal expertise and organizational partnerships.
  • Monitor developments and emerging trends in areas affecting nonprofit organizations, international journalism, media law, labor and employment law, and federal grant compliance.
  • Build effective relationships with leaders, staff, outside counsel, and Board members.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner across the organization.
  • Participate in Board meetings and other organizational activities as needed.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will possess a genuine appreciation for the importance of independent journalismand freedom of expression and will be energized by the opportunity to support an organization whose workadvances access to truthful and uncensored information. They will bring a strong commitment to publicservice and an understanding of the critical role RFA plays in some of the world's most challenging mediaenvironments.

Commitment to Mission & Public Service

The successful candidate will possess a genuine appreciation for the importance of independent journalismand freedom of expression and will be energized by the opportunity to support an organization whose workadvances access to truthful and uncensored information. They will bring a strong commitment to publicservice and an understanding of the critical role RFA plays in some of the world's most challenging mediaenvironments.

Strategic Legal Leadership

The General Counsel will be a seasoned legal executive who combines deep technical expertise withbusiness judgment and strategic perspective. They will have the ability to anticipate issues, assess riskthoughtfully, and provide practical guidance that advances organizational priorities while protecting the long term interests and integrity of the institution. This leader will be viewed as a trusted advisor and thoughtpartner by the President, Board, and senior leadership team.

This leader will excel at synthesizing diverse perspectives and providing balanced, actionable guidance thatenables sound decision-making. They will combine intellectual rigor with practicality and will be viewed as atrusted counselor during periods of complexity and change.

Governance & Board Partnership

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience advising executive leaders and boards of directors ongovernance, policy, and fiduciary matters. They will understand how to build trust, provide candid counsel,and ensure that sound governance practices support organizational effectiveness. The successful candidate will possess the executive presence and credibility necessaryto work effectively with Board members and senior leaders on sensitive and high-profile issues.

Global Perspective and Media Fluency

Given the nature of RFA's mission and operations, the General Counsel must possess the ability to navigatecomplex legal and operational issues across diverse international environments. Experience with mediaorganizations, international operations, federally funded institutions, or mission-driven organizationsoperating in highly visible or sensitive environments will be particularly valuable. The ability to appreciate theintersection of law, journalism, public policy, and geopolitics will be critical to success.

Risk Management and Sound Judgement

The successful candidate will bring exceptional judgment and a steady hand in managing legal, operational,and reputational risk. They will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, making decisions in fast-movingenvironments, and addressing sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion. They will possess highethical standards, intellectual rigor, and the ability to remain calm and thoughtful under pressure.

Collaborative Leadership and Influence

This leader will excel in highly collaborative environments and will be known for building strong relationshipsacross functions and constituencies. They will possess the ability to influence without authority, communicatecomplex legal concepts in clear and practical terms, and foster confidence among colleagues, leadership,and Board members. Their approach will be characterized by responsiveness, humility, and a willingness toroll up their sleeves when needed.

They will thrive in a lean, entrepreneurial, and highly mission-driven culture where collaboration,accountability, and adaptability are highly valued. While possessing the gravitas to advise senior leaders andthe Board on sensitive matters, they will also embrace a hands-on approach and a willingness to engagedeeply in the work when necessary.

Intellectual Curiosity and Learning Agility

The General Counsel will demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. Theywill stay abreast of developments affecting employment law, nonprofit governance, federal grant regulations,media law, and international operations, and will bring an adaptive mindset to an environment characterizedby ongoing change and evolving challenges.

Change Leadership and Organizational Agility

The General Counsel will bring the resilience, flexibility, and emotional intelligence required to lead effectivelythrough periods of uncertainty and transformation. They will be comfortable operating in evolvingenvironments, balancing competing priorities, and helping the organization adapt to changing legal,operational, and geopolitical realities. This leader will provide steady guidance, foster alignment, and help theorganization navigate complexity with confidence and clarity.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will be a person of unquestioned integrity who is thoughtful, pragmatic, and highly collaborative. They will combine sound judgment with common sense and possess the maturity andemotional intelligence to navigate difficult issues with diplomacy and confidence. They will be resilient,adaptable, and motivated by the opportunity to support a mission that has meaningful global impact. Theywill also be recognized as a generous colleague and mentor who invests in developing others andstrengthening organizational capacity through teaching, coaching, and the sharing of expertise.

Additional Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a statebar, with the ability to obtain District of Columbia Bar membership if required.
• Minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible legal experience in a law firm, in-house legaldepartment, government agency, nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof.
• Experience operating in international environments and navigating cross-border legal and operationalissues is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in several of the following areas: employment and labor law, litigationmanagement, corporate governance, intellectual property, contracts, nonprofit law, federal grantcompliance, media law, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience operating in complex, rapidly changing, and highly visible environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically in support of Board meetings and organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, including board governance, corporate compliance, and regulatoryreporting requirements.
• Experience with federal grant compliance, U.S. government funding regulations, or working with federally funded organizations.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $195,000 - $220,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary to be offered to the General Counsel will be determined based on consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience and will be aligned with Radio Free Asia's compensation policies.

RFA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States as an employee of RFA. RFA reserves the right to reconsider or withdraw any offer of employment if the candidate’s authorization to work in the United States, or any extension thereof, would require RFA to file or support a petition or related documentation.