Strategic Real Estate & Nonprofit Counsel

Cleveland Foundation; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cleveland Foundation seeks a seasoned corporate counsel to serve as a strategic legal advisor across real estate transactions, governance, and regulatory matters. This role partners with Finance, Real Estate, HR, and philanthropy teams to structure mission-aligned projects, manage risk, and advance community impact.

You will lead complex agreements, oversee outside counsel, and mentor paralegals while ensuring compliance with nonprofit and tax-exempt requirements in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Ohio bar.
• 5–8 years of progressively responsible legal experience in real estate, nonprofit, or related practice areas.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements.
• Strong knowledge of real estate transactions, title insurance, zoning, and development.
• Experience managing outside counsel and leading cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic legal advisor for real estate transactions, development initiatives, governance, and regulatory matters.
• Manage in-house real estate and corporate governance matters and budget for the legal department.
• Lead negotiations, review, and management of complex agreements (leases, purchase agreements, financing, development agreements).
• Mentor paralegals and legal staff; collaborate across departments to support initiatives.
• Oversee due diligence, title examinations, surveys, environmental reports, and entitlements.
• Represent the Foundation in closings, disputes, and regulatory proceedings as needed.
• Support tax-exempt matters and partnerships, including incentives and exemptions.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Ohio bar admission

Tools

Co-Counsel

Agiloft

Legal tech tools

Job description

The Cleveland Foundation seeks a seasoned corporate counsel to serve as a strategic legal advisor across real estate transactions, governance, and regulatory matters. This role partners with Finance, Real Estate, HR, and philanthropy teams to structure mission-aligned projects, manage risk, and advance community impact.

You will lead complex agreements, oversee outside counsel, and mentor paralegals while ensuring compliance with nonprofit and tax-exempt requirements in a fast-paced,