General Counsel – Sole Attorney

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting day one

Free admission to MSI for family and朋友

Free admission to other museums

Free parking in MSI’s garage

Job summary

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago seeks an experienced General Counsel to lead the legal function, shape governance, and partner with senior leadership and the Board on risk and compliance. This role involves hands‑on and strategic leadership, with collaboration across departments and outside counsel when needed.

Responsibilities include negotiating complex contracts, advising on employment, IP, and regulatory matters, and guiding enterprise risk management in a dynamic nonprofit

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school; licensed in good standing to practice in Illinois.
• Significant in‑house experience or advising nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Experience advising executive leadership and boards on governance matters.
• Strong background in contracts, employment and labor law, and corporate matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Museum's legal function as sole in‑house attorney.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate litigation strategy.
• Review and negotiate complex agreements across operations.
• Advise President/CEO and senior leadership on legal and risk matters.
• Serve as Board liaison on governance, ethics, and compliance.
• Oversee employment, labor, regulatory compliance, and IP matters.
• Develop organizational policies with risk-aware guidance.

Skills

Legal leadership

Governance advisory

Contract negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Executive advising

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar license

Job description

About Us

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job

The General Counsel leads the Museum's legal function as its sole in-house attorney, offering a unique opportunity for broad responsibility, meaningful impact, and direct engagement with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees in a fast-paced environment. The position combines functioning at both a hands‑on and strategic level, leveraging outside counsel thoughtfully to enhance internal capabilities.

Responsibilities

Legal Operations and Outside Counsel Management

• Retain, manage, and oversee outside counsel and specialized legal advisors to ensure high quality, cost-effective legal services.
• Lead and coordinate legal strategy for litigation, disputes, and legal proceedings involving the Museum.

Contracts and Commercial Matters

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements across all Museum operations including:
  • Exhibit fabrication and rentals
  • Construction and facilities maintenance
  • Artifact loans
  • Intellectual property licensing
  • Special events and education programs
  • Fundraising and development activities
  • Debt instruments and general commercial agreements

Strategic and Executive Leadership

• Serve as the primary advisor to the President and CEO and senior leadership team on all legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters.
• Partner with executive leadership to support the Museum's mission, strategy, and business objectives while proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks.
• Participate in the development of organizational policies, procedures, and programs, providing ongoing guidance on legal implications.

Board Governance and Ethics

• Serve as the General Counsel to the Board of Trustees, providing legal guidance on governance, fiduciary duties, and compliance.
• Act as a staff liaison to the Nominating and Governance Committee.
• Serve as the Museum's Chief Ethics Officer under the Code of Ethics including oversight of conflicts of interest and ethics reporting.

Employment, Labor and Regulatory Compliance

• Advise on employment and labor matters, including union relations, collective bargaining agreements, and compliance with applicable employment laws.
• Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local laws affecting nonprofit organizations including 501(c)(3) requirements.

Risk Management and Insurance

• Identify and analyze legal and operational risks across the organization.
• Maintain and oversee the Museum's property and casualty insurance portfolio.
• Co‑lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program in partnership with the CFO.

Intellectual Property

• Provide legal counsel on copyright, trademarks, and other IP matters, particularly related to marketing, advertising, education programs, and exhibit development.

Cross-functional Partnership

• Develop a deep understanding of Museum operations and build trusted relationships across departments.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non‑legal stakeholders.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant legal experience; significant in‑house experience and/or advising nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and boards on governance matters.
• Strong background in contracts, employment and labor law, and general corporate matters.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations impacting 501(c)(3) organizations, preferably within a cultural, educational, or mission‑driven context.
• Experience managing an internal legal function and overseeing outside counsel preferred.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, risk management, and insurance matters preferred.
• Ability to be a strategic, pragmatic legal advisor with strong business acumen.
• Hands‑on, solution‑oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and concisely.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to prioritize effectively amid changing demands.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgement, credibility, transparency, and a high‑level of confidentiality.
• Collaborative team player with a down‑to‑earth approach and strong interpersonal skills.
• Intellectual curiosity with the ability to quickly develop expertise in new areas of law.

Language

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, standard operating procedures, etc.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.

Mathematical

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, turnover rates, retention rates, etc.

Reasoning

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $225,000.

This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 Company Holidays
• 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
• Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
• Free onsite garage parking

Position created on September 2, 2026

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day‑to‑day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.