Officer, Counsel

Legal Affairs Department

The Pew Charitable Trusts is tackling some of the most pressing challenges we face today, including by addressing the impacts of climate change, conserving the natural environment, improving the efficiency of government services, promoting civic engagement, supporting the freedoms underpinning our democracy, or addressing health and welfare challenges affecting marginalized communities. Pew’s Legal Affairs team provides crucial legal guidance to diverse teams of experts who develop, support, and communicate research and analyses explaining critical emerging issues, inform public policy, and advocate for solutions to these and other important problems.

Position Overview

Pew is seeking a client-oriented and highly skilled attorney for the position of Officer, Legal Affairs and Counsel. In this role, you’ll be at the center of Pew’s efforts, supporting the organization as our work grows in volume and complexity. Your astute legal insights will be put to good use, as this position is responsible for a wide and growing array of legal matters.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support Pew’s programmatic activities on a wide variety of legal issues. Day-to-day duties of this position may include advising on contracting, intellectual property, data sharing, lobbying and ethics compliance, sanctions, and defamation; drafting and reviewing agreements; conducting legal research and analysis on requirements applicable to Pew's expanding charitable activities; working with outside counsel as necessary; supporting complex nonprofit transactional projects and partnerships; and liaising between the Legal Affairs department and Pew staff. 

This position is based in Pew’s Washington, DC office and will report to the Associate Director, Legal Affairs and Deputy Senior Counsel.  This position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework “flex weeks” per year.

Responsibilities

●      Assist internal clients in strategically planning projects, agreements, communications and ongoing programmatic work to assure compliance with all applicable domestic and international laws.

●      Provide risk-calibrated, legally informed business advice in support of Pew’s existing, expanding and new lines of domestic and international work, including partnerships with domestic and international organizations.

●      Advise on relevant developments in key areas of non-profit legal compliance, such as advocacy and lobbying, government ethics, prohibited campaign intervention, foreign corrupt practices, sanctions, anti-trust, defamation, and grants and contracts, among others.

●      Conduct trainings of staff on topics as assigned.

●      Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of agreements in connection with Pew's work.

●      Identify, assess and communicate legal and business risks, including reputational risks, to decision makers.

• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to inform departmental and organizational objectives and outcomes.

●      Manage outside counsel as necessary for project and localized or specialized legal advice.

●      Other duties as assigned.

 Requirements

●      J.D., licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, or eligible for such admission promptly upon hiring.

• Generally, requires eight years of relevant experience, with a minimum of five years of legal experience.
• Experience advising nonprofits, multi-lateral institutions, government agencies, or other organizations on compliance with laws and regulations, including lobbying and government ethics.

●      Strong client service skills and the ability to resolve problems creatively, collaboratively, and effectively; to identify underlying issues, patterns and trends in complex situations; and to apply relevant expertise and experience to solving diverse legal questions.

●      Exemplary communications skills, including the ability to summarize issues and address them in a clear, concise and easily understood manner.

●      Demonstrated experience working in a team setting with multiple partners and stakeholders.

●      Experience in developing and conducting trainings and educational resources.

●      The successful candidate must be confident, yet collegial, with strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to develop productive, trusting relationships at all levels.

Travel

Minimal travel to conferences, meetings, and Pew’s other offices.

Salary Range

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.