Associate Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) seeks an experienced legal professional to support the organization's legal and compliance operations. Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, the Associate Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel will provide legal counsel across a broad range of organizational matters, including contracts, governance, compliance, enterprise risk management, and policy development. This position partners closely with executive leadership to mitigate risk, strengthen organizational practices, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to executive leadership and internal stakeholders on nonprofit operations, governance, compliance, contracts, and risk management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of legal agreements, including grants, sponsorships, consulting agreements, licenses, non-disclosure agreements, and other organizational contracts.
• Support the development and implementation of enterprise risk management strategies, policies, and internal controls.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting nonprofit organizations and advise leadership on emerging risks and compliance requirements.
• Aid in the development of organizational policies, procedures, and staff training related to legal compliance, ethics, and risk management.
• Partner with executive leadership on special projects and cross-functional initiatives that support organizational priorities.
• Support Board and committee governance activities, including preparation of meeting materials and coordination with Board leadership.

Qualifications

• Passion for UWNYC's mission and commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to practice law in New York State.
• Eight or more years of legal experience, preferably including nonprofit organizations, government grants, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance, contracts, compliance, enterprise risk management, and applicable federal and New York State laws.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements and providing practical, business-oriented legal advice.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.