General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer

Who we are

CIEE is a non-profit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences.

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!

What you’ll do

• Strategic Legal Leadership
• Serve as the chief legal advisor to the President and CEO and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to CIEE executive leadership and organizational stakeholders.
• Advise on legal matters affecting domestic and international operations, including nonprofit governance, employment, regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, international activities, and risk management.
• Provide legal support for strategic initiatives, partnerships, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and new business opportunities.
• Oversee litigation, claims management, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.
• Manage the legal department budget and relationships with external legal counsel to ensure cost-effective delivery of legal services.
• Monitor and anticipate emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting higher education, international education, nonprofit organizations, international exchange programs, data privacy, and global operations.
• Governance & Board Relations
• As Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, support board operations, including meeting planning and attendance, oversight of governance records and structures, policies, and official corporate actions as well as related committee work.
• Advisory on best practices in corporate governance, nonprofit compliance, conflicts of interest administration, related-party transactions, corporate policies and procedures, and nonprofit fiduciary obligations.
• Ensure governance practices remain aligned with organizational needs and evolving non-profit laws and standards.
• Global Operations Support
• Provide legal oversight and guidance related to CIEE's international centers, foreign entities, partnerships, and activities.
• Provide legal strategy and compliance for CIEE’s global operations, including study abroad, exchange, and educational programs.
• Navigate complex international legal frameworks, including regulatory, immigration, tax, data privacy, employment, and contractual matters.
• Monitor and mitigate cross-border risk while enabling program growth and innovation.
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Lead and oversee enterprise compliance programs and support enterprise risk management initiatives and strategies.
• Oversee conflict-of-interest administration and related governance compliance processes.
• Promote ethical business practices and a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant U.S. and international laws and regulations.
• Leadership & Operations
• Build, lead, and mentor an effective legal team (internal and external counsel).
• Manage legal budget and outside counsel relationships.
• Promote a culture of legal awareness, ethics, and accountability across the organization.

Who you are

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active membership in at least one U.S. state bar in good standing.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive legal experience, including senior leadership roles with significant experience advising boards and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in non-profit governance and compliance, corporate law, risk management, data privacy, cyber-security, and emerging regulatory issues.
• Extensive experience with international operations, programs, or global regulatory environments.
• Ability to maintain a valid passport and clear background check in connection with international visa requirements.