Impact-Focused Associate General Counsel (Hybrid, Chicago)

Kindora; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is seeking an Associate General Counsel in Chicago to provide strategic legal leadership across grantmaking, investments, and corporate matters.

This role partners with program teams to shape risk frameworks and drive compliant, innovative operations. Qualifications include a JD, Illinois Bar admission or eligibility for in-house admission, and at least five years of practice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited institution with a record of strong academic and professional achievement.
• Current admission to the Illinois State Bar, or eligibility for immediate admission as in-house counsel.
• At least five years of experience as a practicing lawyer in a firm, organization, or government.
• Knowledge of private foundation tax law, nonprofit governance, and/or philanthropic sector regulation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal counsel to multiple grantmaking teams, advising on grant structures, legal due diligence, and compliance with private foundation tax rules.
• Review and draft grant agreements; counsel program staff on legal and reputational risk.
• Review, draft, and negotiate documentation for the Foundation's investments and impact investments from term sheets through closing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including consulting, technology, data privacy, licensing, real property, and vendor agreements.
• Develop templates, policies, and playbooks to support consistency and risk management across the legal department.

Skills

Strategic legal leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Strong writing & communication

Independent judgment

Policy and governance

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is seeking an Associate General Counsel in Chicago to provide strategic legal leadership across grantmaking, investments, and corporate matters.

This role partners with program teams to shape risk frameworks and drive compliant, innovative operations. Qualifications include a JD, Illinois Bar admission or eligibility for in-house admission, and at least five years of practice.