Deputy General Counsel

The following statements are meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

Position Purpose and Summary

 The Office of the General Counsel and Compliance (OGCC), led by the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, works with the National Legal Advisor, Chair, Council of Legal Advisors and the Council of Legal Advisors (together “Legal”) to support Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Sorority is a 501(c)(7) global organization with more than 350,000 members and 1,050 chapters. The Deputy General Counsel (“Deputy GC”) supports the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in the management of the Sorority’s diverse legal needs including matters related to international and domestic structure, operations, compliance, complex legal matters, crisis response, policy, employment, commercial issues, operational and professional service agreements, enterprise risk management, governance, media and communications, litigation, membership and discipline and privacy and intellectual property. 

The Deputy General Counsel will anticipate and manage risk while facilitating management’s strategies to grow and service its membership, advance Delta’s objectives and impact on the community and expand the reach and capacity of Delta to fulfill its mission. The Deputy GC will assist with OGCC operations and manage other Department personnel. The OGCC is a small department and supports the operations of the Sorority’s National Headquarters, its Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

The Deputy GC will approach a wide variety of legal issues with knowledge, creativity and care. She must be comfortable and effective working in a fast-paced, collaborative, yet multi-disciplinary environment. Principal subject areas will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Board Governance

• Contracts, licensing and other transactional work

• Policy Development

• Employment Law (including executive compensation and benefits)

• Intellectual Property

• Litigation (including amicus representation)

• Compliance and Ethics

• Procurement

• Mission-aligned revenue generation

• Non-profit/Tax Law

• International Law

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the General Counsel as the trusted legal and strategic business partner to the Chair of the Board, Executive Committee, Board, Executive Director and senior leadership team regarding the legal implications of material decisions.

• Directs the Office of the General Counsel and Compliance in the absence of the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

• Identifies, assesses and communicates legal and business risks to colleagues.

• Directs legal affairs, including international and domestic structure, operations and compliance, complex legal matters, crisis response, policy, employment, commercial issues, operational and professional service agreements, enterprise risk management, governance, media and communications, litigation, membership and discipline, privacy and intellectual property matters.

• Reviews and negotiates complex commercial agreements.

• Advises on complex legal issues.

• Assesses litigation filed against or on behalf of the organization, works with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defense and approves settlements of disputes where warranted.

• Conducts research and analyses of legal issues and prepares memoranda and opinion setting forth research results, recommendations and conclusions.

• Remains current on trends facing tax-exempt organizations, including advocacy, employment (domestically and internationally), contract and intellectual property law and other relevant areas.

• Engages and collaborates with the Council of Legal Advisors.

• Assists in the development and implementation of policies.

• Drafts and presents educational training presentations to the organization’s internal departments and clients.

• Performs duties outside of the office setting and outside of normal work hours when required to attend evening meetings and to meet deadlines, as assigned.

• Supervises legal interns and/or law clerks.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or university.

• Duly initiated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• At least seven (7) years of experience working in a law firm, governmental or in-house setting, accustomed to handling a high volume of projects, with at least two years of experience supervising others.

• Admitted to, or qualifies for admission to, the District of Columbia Bar.

• Overall broad legal knowledge (commercial law, corporate law, litigation and risk management).

• Working knowledge of social media platforms and operational processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organized, detail-oriented and strong follow-up skills.

• Motivated, self-starter who is able to work independently.

• Ability to work effectively with department staff, co-workers, vendors, CEO, board members and leadership.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, take on new responsibilities and prioritize work in a dynamic, often deadline-driven environment.

• Computer proficiency, including use of Microsoft products.

• Must be able to travel as necessary for major events where staff participation is required.

• Relocation assistance is not available. Must reside within a 50-mile radius of National Headquarters within six (6) months of start date.

Qualifications Considered a Plus

• Experience as in-house counsel and prior experience as Deputy GC.

• Experience working for a non-profit organization.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills are essential to develop effective relationships with senior management and external stakeholders and to lead productively and collaboratively work with various departments throughout the organization and around the world.

 •Excellent judgement and professional standards with a proven ability to handle sensitive or confidential organizational issues and to apply appropriate judgement in complex situations.

• Strong management and project management skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality work on time and within budget.

• Excellent presentation skills with a track record of success in presenting to senior management and groups of employees.

• Superior client service skills and ability to resolve problems creatively, collaboratively, efficiently and as needed with humor. A willingness to identify underlying issues, patterns and trends in complex situations and to apply relevant expertise and experience to reveal and resolve issues.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications and governmental activities. The ADA also prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Worksite

Hybrid (Remote and In-Person); 1707 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan and paid leave.