General Counsel – Chief Legal Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Act as the primary legal advisor to the President and CEO, offering pragmatic, business-focused legal counsel to CIEE's executive leadership and organizational stakeholders.

• Provide guidance on legal issues impacting both domestic and international operations, encompassing nonprofit governance, employment law, regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property rights, data privacy, global activities, and risk management.

• Deliver legal support for strategic endeavors, including partnerships, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and new business prospects.

• Supervise litigation, claims management, investigations, and dispute resolution processes.

• Oversee the legal department's budget and manage relationships with external legal advisors to ensure cost-effective legal service delivery.

• Keep track of and anticipate emerging legal and regulatory trends that influence higher education, international education, nonprofit entities, international exchange initiatives, data privacy, and global operations.

• Function as the Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors, facilitating board operations such as meeting preparation and attendance, governance record management, policy oversight, and related committee activities.

• Provide advice to leadership and the board on corporate governance best practices, nonprofit compliance, conflict of interest management, related-party transactions, corporate policies, and nonprofit fiduciary responsibilities.

• Ensure governance practices are in sync with organizational demands and evolving nonprofit legislation and standards.

• Offer legal oversight and guidance pertaining to CIEE's international centers, foreign entities, partnerships, and initiatives.

• Develop legal strategies and ensure compliance for CIEE’s global operations, which include study abroad, exchange, and educational programs.

• Navigate intricate international legal frameworks, addressing regulatory, immigration, tax, data privacy, employment, and contractual matters.

• Monitor and mitigate cross-border risks while fostering program growth and innovation.

• Lead and manage enterprise compliance programs and support initiatives and strategies for enterprise risk management.

• Oversee the administration of conflict-of-interest management and related governance compliance processes.

• Encourage ethical business practices and accountability throughout the organization.

• Ensure adherence to all pertinent U.S. and international laws and regulations.

• Assist in internal investigations and compliance assessments as necessary.

• Aid leadership in navigating geopolitical, regulatory, and operational risks related to global programming.

• Advise on matters related to cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, technology governance, and associated regulatory developments.

• Support the formulation of policies and governance frameworks that address emerging technologies and digital innovation.

• Collaborate with technology and operational leaders to identify and manage risks associated with technology.

• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, partnerships, and strategic agreements.

• Provide counsel on corporate transactions, joint ventures, and international partnerships.

• Build, lead, and mentor a proficient legal team comprising both internal and external counsel.

⛳️ Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.

• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive legal experience, including senior leadership positions with substantial experience advising boards and executive leadership.

• Proven expertise in nonprofit governance and compliance, corporate law, risk management, data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging regulatory challenges.

• Significant experience in international operations, programs, or global regulatory contexts.

• Capability to maintain a valid passport and clear background check in relation to international visa requirements.

🏝️ Benefits

• Paid time off and parental leave.

• Gym reimbursement program.

• Employee assistance program.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Six floating Fridays (in accordance with eligibility criteria).

• Discounts on CIEE Study Abroad Program.

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Insurance coverage including life, travel, medical, dental, and vision.

• Flexible spending accounts/health savings accounts for medical and dependent care.

• Voluntary benefits such as identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness coverage.