The Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, that supports governors in championing fundamental freedoms across the United States. GovAct also has a 501(c)(4) arm that focuses on targeted polling and message testing.

Currently, GovAct supports the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, and other Governor collaborations, including convenings, discussion series, and task forces. Specifically, GovAct helps:

• Develop innovative ideas for collaboration by breaking out of silos and advancing creative initiatives;

• Advance affirmative agendas for Governors to maximize their powers to protect fundamental freedoms and counteract assaults; and

• Partner with advocacy organizations and other stakeholders.

More information about GovAct may be found at www.GovActAlliance.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

GovAct seeks a General Counsel to serve as the organization’s principal legal advisor and risk and compliance leader. The General Counsel position will report directly to GovAct’s Legal Strategy and Policy Director and counsel the organization’s senior leadership team on internal legal risks and compliance. The General Counsel will identify and analyze legal issues impacting GovAct, GovAct’s 501(c)(4) arm, and the gubernatorial alliances which GovAct supports, including the Reproductive Freedom Alliance and Governors Safeguarding Democracy. The General Counsel will draft, review and maintain key organizational documents for GovAct and its affiliates, and will present clear recommendations and counsel to GovAct’s CEO and leadership team on critical legal matters. The General Counsel will handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, balancing long-term priorities with the urgency of immediate demands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the internal legal counsel on organizational matters and ensure that GovAct and its affiliates are operating in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

• Provide advice and counsel on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulatory and compliance matters, as applicable.

• Develop and maintain internal governance documents for GovAct, the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, and other GovAct governor collaborations, helping the organizations to communicate and collaborate effectively.

• Advise on the organizational and governance structure of future alliances and/or collaborations supported by GovAct.

• Review, and draft as needed, a broad range of organizational contracts, including but not limited to service agreements and nondisclosure agreements; negotiate or renegotiate contract provisions; and draft contracts for consultants and project partnerships.

• Provide legal advice and counsel on personnel issues, including support for a diverse and inclusive workforce.

• Develop and maintain pro bono and other outside legal relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in the practice of law;

o Experience as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Associate General Counsel (or equivalent) of a non-profit organization or in an in-house environment preferred;

o Experience in core nonprofit legal issues, including but not limited to, corporate governance, contracts, employment, and related areas;

o Proven ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects, work efficiently under time constraints, and meet internal and external deadlines;

o Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate, facilitate discussion and build consensus in a complex and fast-moving environment.

• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a premium placed on clear and direct legal writing and thinking.

• Knowledge: Understanding of public policy, state government and gubernatorial operations, and broad understanding of issues related to fundamental freedoms and democracy.

• Leadership: Experience supervising other attorneys, as well as experience in recruiting and working with outside and pro bono counsel as necessary.

• Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of a State Bar.

To effectively meet this critical startup moment, successful candidates will also bring relevant and diverse lived and professional experiences to building of the organization and will align with key founding values of GovAct including:

• Strong, hands-on work ethic needed to support fast-paced start-up growth and development of a sustainable organization.

• Political adeptness, sound judgment, and experience handling sensitive information needed to gain trust and work effectively across governors’ offices.

• Collaboration, communication, and relationship skills needed to operate effectively across a complex and matrixed network of stakeholders and teams.

• Resiliency, optimism, and solutions orientation needed to advance a joyful approach to the work, remain responsive rather than reactive, and support progress when meeting difficult challenges.

• Commitment and demonstrated ability to work effectively and build alignment across lines of difference.

BENEFITS

GovAct provides all employees 12 paid holidays and 30 paid days off. GovAct provides an excellent benefits plan, including parental leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term, and long- term disability; wellness, technology, and professional development stipends; and a robust 401K program.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Emma Clough at Emma.Clough@GovActAlliance.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

HIRING VALUES

At GovAct, we celebrate a culture of belonging and are committed to cultivating and nurturing a workplace of diversity, equity, and inclusion. GovAct encourages individuals to apply for this position who are of underrepresented backgrounds, including, for example, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation.