General Counsel

Position: General Counsel

Hours:  Mon – Fri, in office

Location: San Antonio, TX: travel required

Who We Are

https://www.safariclub.org/

Hunting is an ancient tradition passed down from the earliest times of man to the present day. Hunters participate directly in the natural world and care enough to make sure that it continues in all of its awesome beauty and diversity.

Safari Club International is a U.S.-based organization of more than 50,000 hunters and nearly 200 chapters worldwide, dedicated to protecting the right to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation. Between SCI and its sister organization, the SCI Foundation, we have put more than $70 Million on the ground for conservation since 2000. In the U.S. and abroad, hunters are part of a system that keeps the rivers, forests and fields intact and maintains the wildlife.

Summary

The General Counsel (GC) to serve as the organization’s chief legal officer and oversee its Legal Department. Reporting to the CEO, the GC oversees all legal matters, provides strategic legal counsel, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, manage risk, and lead the organization’s legal teams.  

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, and staff concerning all legal matters pertaining to the organization and its affiliated organization.

• Oversees the Legal Department, including oversight of litigation strategy and supervising other attorneys and support staff in the Legal Department.
• Oversees and manages outside counsel relationships, including monitoring and reviewing any work performed by outside counsel.

• Participates in investigations and reports on findings.
• Reviews and drafts legal and government documents necessary for the organization’s operations.
• Analyzes complex legal issues and conducts legal research.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations, including lobbying, advocacy, and election-related activities.
• Oversees the development and enforcement of internal policies on conflicts of interest, lobbying disclosures, data privacy, and corporate governance.
• Reviews, negotiates, and drafts all contracts, MOUs, joint venture agreements, and vendor agreements.

• Manages legal risks related to employment, intellectual property, and nonprofit fundraising.
• Represents the organization in legal and regulatory proceedings as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment and labor laws, including wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety.
• Provide legal guidance on HR policies, employee relations, hiring, terminations, and disciplinary actions.
• Oversee staff training and development programs related to legal compliance, ethics, and workplace policies.
• Periodically reviews and updates the corporate documents of the organization and its affiliated organization.
• Anticipates and protects against risks facing the organization.
• Develops and provides relevant training to staff.
• Able to react to change proactively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Serves on Senior Leadership Team and provides advice on all legal matters.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.  Attends meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Texas or be licensed and in good standing in another state.
• A minimum of ten years full-time experience as a licensed attorney, in private practice and/or as an in-house attorney.
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Prior experience in a General Counsel or senior in-house legal role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations and nonprofit compliance, lobbying laws, corporate governance.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and executive leadership.
• Experience in election law and/or labor and employment law.
• Background in litigation management and working with outside counsel.
• Familiarity with intellectual property and media law.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that fulfills the requirements of the position will be considered.

Benefits

Safari Club International offers a full benefit package. Please go to our careers page to view our Benefit Summary: https://safariclub.org/careers/