Senior Attorney

ABOUT US

The Freedom Together Foundation’s mission is to support people who have been denied power to build it, so they can change unjust systems and create a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. We are dedicated to long-lasting, systemic change. Over the last 10 years, Freedom Together has grown to be one of the largest US foundations, awarding over $300 million in grants each year.

THE POSITION

The Senior Attorney position is a new role reporting to the Senior Vice President & General Counsel and will advise staff and conduct legal research, supporting two of the Foundation’s program areas. Day-to-day work includes reviewing grant agreements, advising program staff on their strategies, anticipating legal issues related to assigned program areas, and interfacing with and managing outside counsel. This person will ask critical and hard questions to help the Foundation assess and mitigate risk. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support Program Areas

• Partner closely with the program staff to act as a counsel on grantmaking activities;
• Conduct legal research on the rules that apply to the Foundation’s programmatic work;
• Work with outside counsel and grants management on the review of grantee documents to confirm tax status and/or to ensure compliance with applicable internal and external rules and requirements;
• Participate in program team meetings and convenings to develop a greater understanding of the relevant programmatic portfolios;
• Develop and implement practical policies and procedures; and
• Work in collaboration with the Senior Vice President & General Counsel, outside counsel, and other departments.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about building a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. 

• Commitment to Freedom Together’s mission.
• Law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school plus a minimum of 5 years of legal experience including experience at a union, nonprofit, boutique legal shop focused on constitutional issues, or law firm that specialized in nonprofit issues and compliance.
• Must be admitted to practice in New York State.
• Experience with philanthropic contracts and compliance is preferred.
• Understands nonprofit advocacy and emerging threats in the field of social justice movements and/or philanthropy.
• Experience adapting complex legal advice to create practical processes and guidance materials.
• Ability to understand the Foundation’s goals and to counsel staff on how to achieve them while taking into account legal risks and the Foundation’s systems and policies.
• Sound judgment and experience managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Collaborative and excited to work in a team environment with people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full time, exempt position. Freedom Together deeply values fair and equitable wages that enables people to thrive. The salary range for this position is $220,000-$240,000. Freedom Together offers an extensive and generous benefits package including health insurance (with 100% of the premiums paid for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and qualified family members), paid time off (including the last week of the year), 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, and access to an inclusive family building reimbursement plan. Freedom Together provides up to $5,000 annually for professional development and the ability to recommend an annual grant to the nonprofit of your choice.

WORKING WITH Freedom Together

We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Freedom Together is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.

Freedom Together is based in Manhattan, NY and operates on a hybrid schedule. Staff work from the office 3 days weekly, with the flexibility to work remotely two days weekly.

TO APPLY

The priority deadline to apply for this position is March 19, 2025, though applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a resume. Qualified applicants will be asked to submit a questionnaire.  

This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to Jaclyn Jones at jaclyn@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.