Legal Officer

NACBA; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

The Community Foundation is seeking a part-time Legal Officer to provide strategic legal guidance across organizational operations and to oversee contract management and compliance. The role supports risk mitigation and knowledge management for nonprofit and philanthropic activities.

Responsibilities include contract review, templates, policy library maintenance, and collaboration with internal teams on governance, grants, and donor-related compliance.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing in Washington, DC.
• 5+ years of legal experience in nonprofit, tax, philanthropic, or related sectors.
• Availability for 24 hours per week with in-office Mondays and Wednesdays; remote Thursdays/Fridays.
• Willingness for in-person external meetings as requested.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal staff contact for legal matters and triage inquiries.
• Review and assess contracts for terms, risks, and compliance.
• Maintain and manage contract management system with renewals and amendments.
• Collaborate with internal teams on contract administration and compliance.
• Update contract templates to reflect current legal standards.
• Support risk management and compliance initiatives with the General Counsel.
• Maintain the policy library and develop templates for common legal documents.
• Conduct legal research on nonprofit governance, philanthropy, and tax matters.
• Assist with annual audit preparation and cross-departmental compliance tasks.

Skills

Legal research

Contract management

Risk management

Nonprofit law

Policy development

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active DC bar membership

Tools

Contract management tools

Job description

The Community Foundation is seeking a Legal Officer to provide strategic legal guidance
across various areas of organizational operations. This role is critical for ensuring legal
compliance, mitigating risk, and overseeing the Community Foundation's systems for
managing institutional knowledge. The successful candidate will demonstrate robust legal
knowledge and an understanding of the unique requirements of the nonprofit and
philanthropic sectors.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the philanthropic landscape
by working alongside a dedicated team committed to strengthening the community. The
Legal Officer will gain broad experience with legal challenges in the nonprofit sector,
fostering specialized skills in charitable giving and Community Foundation operations.

In addition to the duties described in this position description, every role at The
Community Foundation is expected to contribute to the organization's overall success and
its goals. This may mean that team members will be asked to take on other tasks that may
not be listed here. Examples may include working on a project or specific task outside your
standard area of responsibility, participating in an organization-wide task force or special
initiative, or being asked to support a colleague when needed. Any additional tasks will be
determined by the manager of this role in coordination with the leadership team.

Primary Responsibilities

Legal Operations and Support

• Serve as a principal contact for staff regarding legal matters, efficiently triaging
  inquiries and providing prompt, practical guidance.
• Review and assess various contracts, offering analysis on terms, risks, and
  conditions to protect the Community Foundation's interests.
• Help maintain and manage the Community Foundation's contract management
  system, ensuring contracts are systematically tracked, documented, and helping
  staff monitor for renewals, amendments, or terminations.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to support contract administration and
  compliance initiatives.
• Update and refine contract templates to reflect current legal standards and
  organizational objectives.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Partner with the General Counsel to execute and oversee comprehensive risk
  management strategies across the organization.
• Ensure all fiscal sponsorship arrangements adhere to relevant laws, regulations,
  and best practices.
• Continuously monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting
  Community Foundations.
• Support fund management and compliance initiatives as required to advance
  organizational goals.

Knowledge Management

• Help maintain the Community Foundation's policy library, keeping policies up to
  date, well-organized, and accessible.
• Help develop and manage a robust collection of templates for commonly used legal
  documents and agreements.
• Implement standardized procedures to ensure consistent and compliant legal
  practices throughout the organization.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct thorough legal research on issues impacting community foundations,
  philanthropy, charitable giving, and nonprofit operations.
• Provide research support for staff questions that may arise, new initiatives,
  programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Remain informed of developments in philanthropy law, tax regulations, and
  nonprofit governance to ensure ongoing compliance.

Cross Departmental Collaboration

• Assist the General Counsel in preparing for and supporting the annual audit
  process, ensuring all legal documentation and compliance protocols are met.
• Advise Operations on internal and external compliance matters as needed.
• Collaborate with program teams to structure grant agreements and help staff
  ensure compliance with programmatic objectives.
• Support development teams by reviewing gift agreements and providing insight on
  donor compliance requirements.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing in Washington, DC.
• At least five years of legal experience, preferably in the nonprofit, tax,
  philanthropic, or related sectors.
• Available for 24 hours per week -Mondays and Wednesdays are required (in office),
  Thursdays or Fridays are negotiable (remote)
• Available for in-person, external meetings as requested

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of Community Foundation operations, including:
  o Donor-advised funds
  o Fiscal sponsorship arrangements
  o Private foundation regulatory framework
  o Public charity compliance
  o Charitable giving vehicles and related structures
• Experience with, or within, Community Foundations, public charities, or
  philanthropic organizations is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing charitable organizations
  and tax-exempt entities.
• Experience utilizing contract management tools and legal technology platforms is
  valued.
• Understanding of insurance and risk management for nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  efficiently.
• Additional bar admission in Maryland and/or Virginia is advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Proficient in analyzing complex legal issues and delivering
  business-focused solutions.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, adept at
  explaining legal concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates precision in document review and contract
  administration.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal abilities and a track record of effective
  teamwork with diverse stakeholders.
• Initiative: Takes a proactive stance in identifying and resolving potential legal
  challenges.
• Judgment: Exercises sound professional judgment, striking a balance between legal
  obligations and organizational mission.