The General Counsel is a strategic partner and expert legal advisor to the President of NAIS and leadership team. In addition to leading NAIS’s internal legal and risk management work, the General Counsel leads NAIS work in providing NAIS members with just in time resources, information, and support on a wide range of legal issues impacting independent schools, including student and faculty affairs, athletics, campus safety and security, intellectual property, compliance, and oversees NAIS’s government relations advocacy on these and other legal issues. The General Counsel at NAIS is the leading legal voice within our organization, but it is also viewed as one of the leading legal voices in the independent school industry.
Responsibilities
Lead, develop, and direct the development of just in time resources, opportunities, and information for independent schools on risk management and general legal issues impacting leaders, individual schools, and the industry at large.
With the associate legal counsel, author and coordinate legal and government relations advisories for NAIS members
With the associate legal counsel, oversee government relations operations for the Association
Drive NAIS public policy, regulatory and legislative agenda
Working with the associate legal counsel, analyze, author, and coordinate regulatory and legislative comments on behalf of organization to federal government on issues of importance to the association or its schools
Present on legal issues relevant to the independent school community
Offer general legal information to members
Serve as an engaged and involved team member supportive of the varied experiences and perspectives of internal and external colleagues
Provide or coordinate all NAIS in-house legal needs
Demonstrate expert knowledge across multiple disciplines in the handling of complex legal matters to mitigate risk to the organization
Provide strategic and expert legal advice to NAIS’ leadership
Serve on the management and leadership teams
Proactively identify potential risks and evaluate current risks impacting the organization. Counsel leadership on a plan of action
With the associate legal counsel, oversee the contract process and agreements entered into by the organization
Support and actively build an office culture dedicated to superior customer service that exceeds member expectations
Oversee all budgets related to government relations, legal, and legal education projects
Oversee filing determination process and coordinate or perform writing of amicus briefs on behalf of the organization
Build alliances with related associations, coalitions, and strategic partners
Work within the team and among teams to ensure that decisions are made to further the organization’s goals
Assumes other responsibilities, as assigned
Qualifications
J.D. from accredited law school required
DC bar admission
At least 10 years’ experience working in a law firm, as general counsel for an organization, or in a related position.
Knowledge of schools (strongly preferred)
Experience managing, mentoring, and coaching other attorneys or legal support staff
Familiarity and understanding of legal requirements and trends related to business/contract law, employment law, human rights, and education (strongly preferred)
Strong writing, public speaking and presentation skills
Team-oriented with demonstrated initiative and ability to work in a fast-paced business environment, handling shifting priorities and deadlines as needed
Strong work ethic, detail oriented, business-savvy, flexible schedule when necessary
Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without restrictions
Special Requirements
This position is essential personnel and is expected to be on call for emergencies.
The standard work schedule expected is Monday-Friday, 9 AM- 5 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as the duties demand.
Understand and communicate effectively with others using a variety of contexts and formats, which include writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal skills.
Fostering Teamwork
As a team member, the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team; as a team leader, the ability to demonstrate interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together.
Flexibility
Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things.
Position Attributes
HR Role: Management Team
Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
Business Unit: Legal & Government Relations
Supervisor: CEO
Location: Washington, DC, hybrid/remote
Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment
Travel: Up to 25% is required (This could be at least once a month or 2-3 weeks a quarter, as necessary). International travel is not frequent but may be required.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is a nonprofit membership association that provides services to more than 1,800 schools and associations of schools in the United States and abroad, including 1,500 independent private K-12 schools in the U.S. NAIS serves as the national voice of independent education, advocating on behalf of its members. The association offers research and trend analysis, leadership and governance guidance, and professional development opportunities for school and board leaders.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
