General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer
RemoteUnited States
Job Summary
Advise the President and CEO on governance, risk management, compliance, and legal affairs while serving as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors. Oversee enterprise-wide legal leadership for domestic and international operations, including nonprofit governance, contracts, litigation, and data privacy. Manage the legal department budget, external counsel relationships, and compliance programs for global study abroad and exchange programs. Lead internal investigations, navigate cross-border regulatory frameworks, and support strategic initiatives such as partnerships and acquisitions. Conduct approximately 15% travel for board meetings and regional conferences. Maintain a valid passport and clear background check.
Required Qualifications
- 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
- Experience advising boards and executive leadership
- Ability to maintain a valid passport
- Clear background check
- Strategic thinker with exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to balance legal risk with organizational objectives while upholding highest level of ethical professionalism
- Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in a global environment
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and facilitation skills with the ability to influence, coach and mentor teams at the highest level
- Experience managing outside counsel and complex legal matters
- Experience advising senior executives and boards of directors
- Experience supporting enterprise risk management, governance modernization, and Board development initiatives
- Trusted advisor with strong executive presence
- Hard-working, resilient, and adaptable in a dynamic global environment
- Mission-aligned with a commitment to intercultural exchange and education
- Collaborative leader and a good team player with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach
- Regular domestic and international travel
- Travel comprising approximately 15% of working time
- Attendance at global leadership meetings
- Attendance at regional conferences
- Attendance at periodic board meetings
- Visits to international program offices
- Valid passport maintained at all times
- Background check
- Reference check
- Education and employment verification
Desired Qualifications
- Experience serving as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy /Associate Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, or equivalent senior leadership role
- Experience supporting international organizations, educational institutions, foundations, associations, or globally operating nonprofit organizations
- Familiarity with non-profit tax-exempt rules, including executive compensation, intermediate sanctions, conflict of interest administration, immigration law, related cross-border legal issues, and governance frameworks addressing emerging technologies and digital
- Experience interacting with federal agencies, regulators, and government stakeholders
- Experience working in or advising nonprofit organizations or complex mission-based enterprises
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