Director, Legal Affairs

Part-Time

HKI - Helen Keller International

Multiple Locations

As we continue to grow and impact lives, we are seeking a part-time Director, Legal Affairs. The Director of Legal Affairs will play a pivotal role in advancing the legal and compliance framework for Helen Keller, a leading international non-profit organization working in global public health. This position is responsible for overseeing and guiding legal and regulatory matters, ensuring the organization operates in alignment with international and local laws, and supporting the overall mission of the organization. This includes management of pro bono and paid relationships with law firms, providing timely advice and guidance to local counsel in countries where Helen Keller operates and supporting all aspects of the organization’s risk management activities. As a part-time role, the Director will bring strategic legal insight to various operational, programmatic, and partnership areas while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams across the globe. The position will have an important role to liaise with the Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees, the Audit and Risk Committee, and members of the Executive Committee.

As a senior member of Helen Keller’s staff, the Director will act as a bearer of our organizational culture, including upholding our organizational values of compassion, courage, equity, integrity and rigor. They will also have team management responsibilities where they are responsible for nurturing talent and producing project results on time and within scope that will serve the organization into the future.

Functional Relationships

The Director is a member of the Finance and Operations Group and has a special relationship to all members of the Executive team providing legal support and advice. The Director also has an important working relationship with Country leaders who engage and guide local legal counsel to resolve registration, labor, and tax and other compliance issues. The Director will also work closely with colleagues in the Finance, People & Culture, Information Systems, Grants & Contracts, and Fundraising Operations teams to help resolve contract issues, negotiate agreements, interpret and act on laws, manage litigation and identify and respond to risk factors. Externally, the Director manages relationships with outside firms, confers with legal professionals in the non-profit field, and interacts with government regulatory agencies as required. The Director also enjoys a relationship with the Board of Trustees, particularly the Governance Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, and specific members of the Executive Committee.

Specific Responsibilities

Provide Legal Advice and Support

Provide expert legal advice on organizational strategy, operations, and programs, and People & Culture particularly in the areas of public health, international law, and non-profit governance and labor laws;
Draft (in whole or in part) and/or review contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), employment agreements, teaming agreements, complex gifts, non-disclosure agreements, leases, and other agreements as required. Advise or lead negotiations for such agreements, as required;
Ensure legal compliance with local and international laws, including regulatory requirements governing health organizations, privacy and disclosure regulations, state registrations for solicitations and charitable bequests, and tax laws;
Advise on and manage intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. Such matters may relate to affiliation agreements, cause marketing, and other issues relevant to international non-profits;
Advise on the proper structure for new initiatives and partnerships from a legal perspective;
Advise on complex and contested gifts that occasionally arise, such as from estates;
Manage recruitment of and relationships with external firms (pro bono and paid) to ensure that legal issues get resolved in a timely, quality manner;
Liaise with regulatory bodies as needed;
Advice and help in vetting and approving local attorneys in country offices and liaise with them on legal/labor issues and litigation as needed.

Oversee Risk Management & Governance Activities

Oversee risk management and ensure that legal issues are proactively identified and mitigated;
Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal matters such as compliance and legal best practices;
Assist in corporate governance matters, including board meetings and corporate filings;
Monitor international legal developments and emerging trends relevant to the non-profit sector and global public health;
Support the Board of Trustees on governance-related matters, including the development of corporate policies, bylaws, and board procedures.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Oversee legal disputes and litigation, including managing outside counsel and ensuring appropriate resources are allocated to legal matters;
Provide advice on dispute resolution strategies, including mediation, arbitration, or settlement negotiations.

Advisory and Strategic Guidance

Provide legal counsel to senior leadership on major organizational decisions, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and expansion into new regions or countries;
Collaborate with various departments, such as development, marketing, and operations, to align legal advice with organizational goals;
Offer guidance on advocacy efforts, public policy, and the legal implications of government relations and lobbying activities.

Training and Internal Education

Develop and conduct legal training sessions for staff members as required, particularly on key issues such as compliance, intellectual property, and ethical standards;
Raise awareness of legal risks within the organization and promote a culture of legal mindfulness among employees and leadership.

Budget and Knowledge Management

Plan and manage the legal budget cost center, ensuring that funds are optimized for maximum value to the organization;
Manage and organize legal advice received to ensure we refer back to previous investments and properly leverage our institutional knowledge and previous support;
Draft and maintain policies as they relate to governance and legal issues in conjunction with Executive Leadership Team members and business owners.

Qualifications

For our team to be a great fit for you, the following qualifications should resonate with you:

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal qualification, with admission to the bar (country specific as applicable);
At least 10 years of experience practicing law, with a strong focus on international law and non-profit organizations. Experience working on multi-country activities or within multiple countries is preferred;
Familiarity with issues related to country office registration and operations, taxes and labor laws related to an international non-profit are important to this role;
Experience in managing legal risks and providing strategic legal counsel to senior leaders in complex, global organizations;
Knowledge of US government grantmaking regulations, international non-profit regulations, non-profit governance, charitable bequests, and cross-border compliance;
Experience in legal training, including the ability to develop and deliver engaging sessions on compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and ethical standards for diverse audiences;
Strong financial and knowledge management skills, with experience in budgeting, organizing legal resources, and developing governance policies to enhance institutional knowledge and operational efficiency;
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal issues for non-legal audiences;
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively;
Strong influencing and prioritization skills;
Fluency in English is required; additional language proficiency is a plus;
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of non-profit organizations, particularly in the public health sector;
Experience working in or with international organizations is preferred;
Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zone.

We envision this role being part-time at 3/5th level of effort with flexible hours, ideal for a self- motivated individual who can offer legal expertise on a strategic, global scale while supporting the mission of a dynamic, international public health non-profit organization.

Apply Now

Don't forget to mention IntJobs when applying.

Share this Job