Corporate Counsel (Transactional)

Background

New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) is a community development financial institution with a mission to create thriving communities through strategic investments and knowledge. Fulfilling the needs and improving the quality of life of low- and moderate-income families and individuals would not be possible without our talented staff and motivating environment. NJCC embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Summary

Reporting to the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, the Senior Counsel is responsible for assisting with the organization’s corporate governance and transactional, compliance and legal needs, managing outside counsel, and advising organizational staff as needs arise. Senior Counsel will be responsible for drafting and reviewing various vendor and third-party agreements, transactional and closing documents, and other legal documents, among other responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing legal affairs for the organization, providing legal counsel to organization staff, as needed.
• Advise on a broad range of corporate, employee, employee benefit, intellectual property, tax, regulatory, compliance matters and operational.
• Negotiate, review and draft corporate, transactional, and other legal documents. May include property/land dispositions and acquisitions, grant agreements, investor agreements, commercial lease negotiations, vendor procurement contracts, development and redevelopment projects, joint venture partnership agreements, membership interest purchase agreements, New Market Tax Credit projects and transactions, and other transactional matters.
• Oversee the vendor and contract management function, including ensuring that contract and vendor policies are up-to-date and effective.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory filing requirements.
• Stay up to date with, research and advise staff on laws applicable to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, private foundations, public charities, including fundraising, investment, and lending requirements.
• Manage outside counsel, as required or needed, to provide specialized legal expertise and to manage timely provision of legal services.
• Supervise, train and work with Legal and Compliance Department’s paralegals.
• Assist with overseeing, managing and developing organization-wide policies and procedures and compliance (e.g. conflict of interest policy; code of ethics; employee handbook; diversity and inclusion policy; annual review and compensation policy; and other internal policies).
• Assist in developing and presenting training on legal issues.
• Assist with managing and coordinating the reporting and other compliance requirements for the organization’s impact investments and other program-related investments.
• Recommend and assist with implementation and overseeing an internal audit function of the organization to undertake independent reviews and evaluations of management operations and activities.
• Coordinate with legal personnel at peer foundations and community development financial institutions regarding best practices and special projects.
• Serve as a thought partner and perform other related duties for the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

Requirements

• Juris doctorate from a major, accredited law school required.
• 4+ years of legal practice in a major nonprofit organization, law firm or corporate in-house legal practice required.
• Experience with, and working knowledge of, contract review, negotiating, drafting and contract process management experience.
• Experience in relevant field (finance, real estate, business law) preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the law applicable to tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Broad experience in corporate business law and complex transactions helpful.
• Pragmatic approach to the practice of law required.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to understand complex legal concepts and offer succinct explanations and counsel to colleagues.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive nonprofit annual salary based on experience and skills, as well as a generous benefits package, including health, dental, disability and life insurance after 30 days of service; 401(k) retirement plan after a year of service; flexible spending accounts, including medical, dependent care, and transportation; and 25 paid leave days, including sick and personal days plus 12 paid holidays.

How to Apply

Please apply and submit your resume here: www.applicantpro.com/openings/newjerseycommunitycapital/jobs