Staff Attorney

Ciee Inc; New York (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization based in the U.S. is seeking a Staff Attorney to lead global legal strategy, ensuring compliance and managing legal risks across domestic and international operations. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree, 5-10 years of experience in law, and be adept at contract negotiation and corporate governance. This position offers a chance to make a global impact within a collaborative team.

Benefits

Paid time off

Gym Reimbursement Program

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution

Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Accounts

Insurance Coverage (life, travel, medical, dental and vision)

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience practicing law, preferably in global or nonprofit settings.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and corporate governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel for CIEE's global operations.
• Draft and negotiate contracts such as university agreements and vendor contracts.
• Advise on international education, employment law, and data privacy matters.
• Oversee legal relationships with external counsel.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Corporate governance

International compliance

Data privacy

Employment law

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Overview

Position: Staff Attorney
Department: Finance
Reports to: CEO
Location: United States, remote

Who we are

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences, helping people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and multicultural world.

Why work with us

• You will change the world. CIEE builds bridges between people, countries, and cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives; our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!
• You will receive a competitive total rewards package. CIEE provides all employees with exceptional benefits, offerings that increase total compensation by up to 25%. Our top-tier benefits include:

1. Paid time off and Parental leave
2. Gym Reimbursement Program
3. Employee Assistance Program
4. Short-term & Long-term Disability
5. 6 floating Fridays (based on our eligibility rules)
6. CIEE Study Abroad and TEFL Program discounts
7. 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
8. Insurance Coverage (life, travel, medical, dental and vision)
9. Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Account (medical and dependent)
10. Voluntary Benefits (identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness)

You will be part of a fast-paced, international, and collaborative team of professionals

You will be part of a fast-paced, international, and collaborative team of professionals. CIEE operates the largest nonprofit network of study abroad locations, with facilities and staff in 29 countries. Additionally, we help international participants from over 140 countries come to the USA each year. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams and are dedicated to advancing our 77-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.

Who you are

As the Staff Attorney, you will lead CIEE’s global legal strategy and ensure compliance, risk management, and governance across all domestic and international operations. You will serve as the organization’s principal legal advisor, working closely with executive leadership, international offices, and external counsel to manage legal risk and support mission-driven growth.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic legal counsel to support CIEE’s global operations, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international laws, regulations, and nonprofit governance standards.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including university and partner agreements, leases, technology licenses, and vendor contracts, ensuring alignment with CIEE’s mission and risk tolerance.
• Advise internal stakeholders on matters related to international education, employment law, data privacy, intellectual property, and corporate compliance across 29+ countries.
• Maintain and update the organization’s global legal entity database, supporting corporate governance and international registrations.
• Partner with global and domestic teams to identify and mitigate legal risks while enabling program innovation and growth.
• Oversee relationships with external counsel in the U.S. and abroad to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal support.
• Support the development and implementation of internal compliance policies and training of legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Manage the organization’s corporate insurance portfolio and advise on coverage, renewals, and claims management.
• Serve as Secretary of the Board of CAPDL, coalition for international exchange advocacy.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives that strengthen CIEE’s commitment and ethical global engagement.

What you’ll bring

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• 5–10 years of experience practicing law, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house counsel experience at a global or nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, corporate governance, and international compliance.
• Strong working knowledge of data privacy (GDPR, U.S. privacy laws), employment law, and nonprofit regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and diplomacy, with the ability to manage sensitive information and competing priorities.
• Collaborative mindset with a global perspective, comfortable working across time zones and cultures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• International experience is preferred.

CIEE believes that professionals with varied backgrounds bring unique approaches and ideas to solving problems and advancing our mission to bring the world together. Qualified candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Due to federal regulations, a background and reference check will be conducted as a condition of employment.