Remote Senior Counsel, Philanthropy & Compliance

Tides Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

Tides is a nonprofit and philanthropic organization committed to advancing social justice. The Senior Counsel, Philanthropy, is a senior contributor on the Legal, Risk and Compliance team, guiding charitable exempt-organization law across Tides entities and activities.

You will advise executives on complex grants and investments, vet programs for compliance, review contracts, and help shape risk frameworks while ensuring alignment with Tides’ mission and JEDI principles.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and California law license or in-house counsel.
• 8 years of direct experience in charitable sector law (nonprofit tax, exempt organization compliance, and/or election and advocacy law).
• Experience advising charitable organizations on compliance program structure and policy is essential.
• Experience with fiscal sponsorship, intermediary, or multi-entity nonprofit structures strongly preferred.
• Experience with program-related investments and donor advised funds is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership on complex legal grantmaking and investment questions, recommending solutions and risk mitigations.
• Lead legal vetting of new and existing service offerings and programs for Tides Foundation, including DAFs and other philanthropic activities.
• Review and negotiate day-to-day contracts, grant agreements, and investment terms; develop and revise legal documents and policies.
• Respond to subpoenas, investigations, and coordinate with outside counsel as needed; prepare privileged memoranda.
• Lead cross-departmental projects and staff training on legal topics; monitor regulatory developments and translate into practical policy guidance.
• Mentor and share advanced legal knowledge with LRC team members and ensure ongoing education.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor

California law license

Job description

Tides is a nonprofit and philanthropic organization committed to advancing social justice. The Senior Counsel, Philanthropy, is a senior contributor on the Legal, Risk and Compliance team, guiding charitable exempt-organization law across Tides entities and activities.

You will advise executives on complex grants and investments, vet programs for compliance, review contracts, and help shape risk frameworks while ensuring alignment with Tides’ mission and JEDI principles.