General Counsel

Description

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is seeking a highly accomplished and values-aligned attorney to serve as its General Counsel, a new and pivotal role that will contribute directly to HCZ’s mission and the empowerment of the Harlem community. 

Reporting to the CEO, this person will serve as the organization’s chief legal advisor and a trusted strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team. The GC will oversee all legal matters, provide risk management guidance, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and support HCZ’s mission-driven operations. This individual will lead and manage legal strategy across a range of areas including governance, employment law, contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

They will also play a key role on the Executive Team (“E-Team”) in supporting the achievement of HCZ’s vision of operational excellence, as well as the mission of ending the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility for in-house counsel registration).
• 10+ years of progressive legal experience, preferably including both law firm and in-house roles; experience in the nonprofit, advocacy, or social impact sector is highly desirable.

Who You Are

• Deep knowledge of governance, contracts, employment law, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide sound, business-oriented legal advice.
• Ability to provide strong leadership; strongly ability to work with diverse personalities and level access functions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a passion for HCZ’s mission and values.

• Excellent managerial and problem-solving skills required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

What You'll Do

Legal Strategy & Counsel

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and executive team.
• Provide proactive legal guidance on strategic initiatives, program development, partnerships, and organizational growth.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and agreements with vendors, funders, and partners.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure the organization’s compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Advise on nonprofit governance best practices and maintain compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training programs to minimize legal risks.

Employment & Labor Law

• Provide counsel on employment-related matters, including employee relations, labor law compliance, and internal investigations.
• Support HR on legal issues related to hiring, performance management, benefits, and workplace policies.

Risk Management & Litigation

• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies across all departments and programs.
• Oversee outside counsel for litigation, dispute resolution, and specialized legal issues.
• Conduct legal reviews to minimize organizational exposure.

Board & Executive Support

• Prepare and review legal materials for Board meetings, ensuring alignment with governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Provide advice on board governance, bylaws, and policy development.

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include:

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Career Advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

 

The salary range for this position is $290,000-$320,000 per year. This position will be eligible for an annual performance bonus and participation in the Senior Management Growth Fund, a deferred bonus program for senior staff. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools do not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children's Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary

• $290,000 - $320,000/year