Associate General Counsel

Associate General Counsel

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is seeking an Associate General Counsel to support the General Counsel in managing the agency’s legal matters. This role provides legal advice on a broad range of issues including contracts, compliance, governance, intellectual property, employment, tax, and church governance. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organization skills and possess broad legal knowledge as a generalist capable of handling diverse legal matters to support the mission and governance of the United Methodist Church.

Essential Functions: 

• Provide legal counsel on day-to-day matters including commercial contracts, compliance, regulatory issues, and corporate governance.
• Responsible for drafting and reviewing a variety of contracts including vendor, client, partnership, and licensing agreements.
• Responsible for conducting legal research and providing written summaries and recommendations, as well as contributing to the development of legal templates, playbooks, and operational improvements.
• Provide oversight of GCFA’s responsibilities as the central organization to the denomination’s group tax exemption ruling. Perform final evaluations of requests for inclusion and answer associated legal questions.
• Manage the national and international use of trademarks owned by GCFA, on behalf of the United Methodist denomination. Work with outside counsel to register and maintain registration of trademarks worldwide.
• Analyze and respond to telephone and email inquiries on Disciplinary and secular legal issues from GCFA’s constituent groups, including bishops, district superintendents, annual conference treasurers, chancellors, and local churches.
• Monitor legal developments impacting the denomination, ensuring timely awareness of issues of denominational significance. Maintain and update the legal resources available on GCFA’s website to support staff and stakeholders with accurate, accessible information.
• Assist the General Counsel in the Department’s preparation for General Conference.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent from an accredited law school is required.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a general practice or litigation law firm, or in-house legal department is required.
• Prior experience reviewing contracts is required.
• Must be qualified to practice law in Tennessee, by either examination, reciprocity, or registration as an in-house counsel.
• Previous non-profit experience is helpful.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, showing flexibility and a commitment to continuous learning
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a practical approach to problem-solving.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, using discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to quickly analyze information and provide legal recommendations.
• Must be willing to uphold the doctrinal and ethical standards of The United Methodist Church as set forth in the Doctrinal Standards in The Book of Discipline and Social Principles.

Additional Considerations: 

• Remote position with occasional travel to Nashville, TN for required attendance at in-person board meetings.
• Must be willing to travel occasionally.
• Generous paid vacation and sick / personal leave!  
• Excellent health, welfare, and retirement benefits package!  
• Twelve paid holidays!  

Closing Date: Open until filled

GCFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.  

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms