Description

Job Summary

The General Counsel of Amnesty International USA (AlUSA) reports to the Chief Operating Officer and serves as the legal counsel to the organization's leadership. The General Counsel is an expert on employment law and laws affecting non-profit advocacy organizations and will partner with Amnesty's senior leadership to develop a strong legal framework in support of our organizational effectiveness, innovation, compliance and risk mitigation. The General Counsel proactively supports the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in relationships and collaboration with the global organization, Amnesty International (Al), and external partners. 

The General Counsel also advises organizational leadership on governance issues, handles all staff union concerns, and manages other projects as assigned. This position handles confidential and sensitive matters and is not covered under the collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Leadership

Serve as chief legal advisor, shaping organizational legal vision and enabling growth, innovation, risk mitigation, and compliance for all activities
Counsel Executive Director, COO, and Board on legal matters affecting nonprofit advocacy and international human rights operations, ensuring strategic alignment and minimal risk
Develop clear legal frameworks, best practice policies, and compliance systems that protect organization’s standing and support achievement of our mission and goals
Advise the Board of Directors, Committees of the Corporation, staff and members on internal rules, Codes of Conduct, and guidelines, including AIUSA’s Bylaws, and AIUSA’s compliance with rules and guidelines issues by Amnesty International’s global movement
Manage budgets for the organization’s legal actions, including costs associated with recruiting outside counsel and vendors to manage and mitigate risks

Governance, Compliance, Security & Risk Management 

Oversee all legal compliance for 501(c)(3) and related entities, regularly advise executive leadership on compliance risks and emerging legal trends
Lead risk management for AIUSA including identification of threats, development and implementation of mitigation strategies, and proactive response to activism- and status-related risks; manage and update AIUSA’s risk register
Guide board and senior leadership on governance, law, and ethics, serve as confidentiality and contract authority, and chair the Ethics Committee
Develop security protocols for major organizational events, international travel by staff and Board members, and that protect the organization's personnel and premises
Coordinate with Amnesty International Secretariat and Regional Offices to update security protocols
Manages and advises senior leaders on security protocols for AIUSA; communicate with and advise staff, Board, and members on security concerns

Employment, Labor & Contracts

Serve as lead counsel for all staff/union labor matters and organizational negotiations, advising on employment law and labor contracts, representing management in committees and bargaining
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, major agreements, and confidentiality pacts; oversee processes to ensure legal accuracy and strategic protection in all partnerships and operations
Represent AIUSA in litigation and regulatory matters, manage and coordinate outside counsel as needed

External Relations & Legal Innovation

Lead legal research, maintain up-to-date understanding of evolving laws and regulations relevant to advocacy and nonprofit sectors, communicate implications to decision-makers
Foster collaborative relationships with AI sections, the International Secretariat, and partners to align legal strategy and promote regulatory excellence
Drive or pilot new legal initiatives and frameworks as requested by Executive Director or COO to capture opportunities and advance mission impact
Establish and strengthen relationships with outside counsel (pro bono, market or reduced fee) to best protect AIUSA from risk and establish and maintain effective partnerships with other organizations; coordinate with internal policy teams and external counsel to support and file amicus briefs that align with the organization's human rights advocacy priorities
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Strategic legal vision and resource allocation expertise with ability to set organizational legal priorities while ensuring systems are in place for sustainable operations
Advanced legal innovation and problem-solving capabilities with demonstrated ability to lead complex organizational challenges
Knowledge of New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law (N-PCL) 
Proven ability to define organizational legal compliance vision while building comprehensive systems for long-term risk management and regulatory adaptability
Strategic vision to lead governance strategies at global level, foster stakeholder alignment, and advance innovative legal practices that enhance organizational impact and credibility while representing AIUSA at highest levels
Excellent communicator with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
Excellent team, project and budget management skills
Proven ability to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) best practices into both strategy and operations
Education and Experience

J.D. from a U.S. accredited law school and applicable state license is required with 10 years of legal experience; Bar membership should be in good standing 
Experience in interpreting legal implications of executive orders, presidential memorandums, congressional investigations directed at non-profit organizations at the federal level and/or their equivalents at the state level a plus
Experience in working with outside legal counsel on managing risks a plus
Experience in providing legal counsel and leadership to non-profit advocacy organizations; experience in human rights or international organizations a plus
Expert-level proficiency in federal and local employment and labor law required
Proficient in legal research and analysis
Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice on complex matters