Legal Counsel

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat.

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Counsel for American Rivers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, and a potential third tax-exempt or advocacy affiliate.

Candidates must have demonstrated experience advising and supporting 501(c)(4) organizations, including knowledge of permissible advocacy, lobbying activities, and the interplay between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entity compliance and governance.

As a critical member of the legal team, this in-house attorney will be responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant laws and regulations, providing legal advice to management, and protecting the organization’s interests in various business matters. This role involves creating and managing preemptive risk tools and policies, and advising and supporting the organization in legal disputes and negotiations. In collaboration with the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel shall proactively address the unique legal and governance challenges inherent in a multi-affiliate structure, ensuring each entity operates within the scope of its exempt purpose, while leveraging permissible collaboration to advance shared mission goals.

This role requires a proactive approach to risk management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle a broad range of legal matters relevant to the organization’s operations.

The successful candidate will have a collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and the proven ability to work across departments and with external partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (JD) licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 5+ years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably with a law firm, the government, or with the nonprofit or public sector with respect to organizations described in Sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 527 of the Internal Revenue Code
• Proven impact working with a 501(c)(3) and 501 (c)(4) tax-exempt organization is essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with management and other departments
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently and able to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Experience working with or supporting a General Counsel’s office or legal department is highly valued
• Knowledge of federal regulatory compliance (OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance and Federal Election Commission regulations) and/or construction law is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and Slack. Knowledge of Intacct and project management software is a plus

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION:

Preferred location is near the Washington, DC headquarters, but will consider applicants from states in which American Rivers currently conducts business. Other occasional regional and national travel to meetings and training may be required.

The salary range for this position is $120,063 -$146,696, annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Tagged as: Law/Policy