Senior Counsel and Advisor to the Executive Director - Washington, United States - National Governors Association

Description

Job Description

TITLE: Senior Counsel and Advisor to the Executive Director
ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association
LOCATION: Washington, DC (onsite)
DURATION: Full Time
POSITION STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO: Executive Director

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Established in 1908, the National Governors Association is a nonpartisan group of Governors representing the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths. NGA's goal is to exchange best practices, tackle national and state-focused issues, and drive innovative solutions that enhance state government and uphold federalism principles.

NGA's Center for Best Practices functions as the organization's policy and research division, aiding Governors in crafting and implementing responses to public policy hurdles. NGA's Government Relations unit aids in ensuring Governors' voices are recognized in Congress and the Executive Branch, while NGA's Communications team partners with Governors' offices to amplify unified messaging and strategy.

NGA regularly brings Governors and senior advisors together for impactful discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and forward-thinking.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR COUNSEL AND ADVISOR TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Senior Counsel and Advisor to the Executive Director holds a vital position within NGA, blending legal proficiency with advisory duties to aid the Executive Director's Office. This role entails delivering legal guidance on nonprofit law, policy formulation, compliance, and risk oversight. Additionally, the role involves monitoring, evaluating, and offering guidance on various organizational concerns to the Executive Director's Office. This combined role necessitates an experienced attorney with executive-level advisory skills.

Other crucial responsibilities include:

• Legal Guidance: Providing legal advice and strategic direction to senior management, board members, and staff on diverse legal matters concerning the organization's operations, programs, and initiatives.
• Compliance: Collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer to guarantee adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry norms governing nonprofit entities, encompassing tax-exempt status, governance, fundraising, and other operations.
• Risk Oversight: Identifying legal risks and formulating tactics to minimize and handle those risks effectively.
• Policy Formation: Contributing to the formulation, review, and execution of organizational policies and protocols.
• Training and Education: Designing and delivering legal training programs and resources for staff and board members on pertinent legal subjects.
• Engagement with Stakeholders: Establishing and nurturing positive relationships with external stakeholders.
• Governors Legal Counsel Group: Supporting the policy development and endeavors of the Governors Legal Counsel group.

Office of the Executive Director Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and advising on organizational matters for the Office of the Executive Director.
• Leading/contributing to projects, ensuring alignment between the Office of the Executive Director and stakeholders.
• Serving as a central intermediary for Chair, Vice Chair offices, and Executive Committee.
• Managing event planning and execution for executive functions.
• Involving internal and external stakeholders in discussions/preparations, as required.
• Responding to inquiries on behalf of the Executive Director and gathering/sharing information.
• Evaluating and advising on the performance and future prospects of the Office of the Executive Director.
• Suggesting innovative methods to enhance offerings and services.
• Devising effective strategies to address challenges and influence decision-makers.
• Providing essential operational support:
  • Offering timely updates to the Executive Director.
  • Coordinating meetings for the Executive Director, ensuring seamless logistical planning and execution, resolving issues promptly and diplomatically.
  • Managing the executive calendar efficiently - scheduling appointments by prioritizing tasks and negotiating effectively with internal and external parties.
  • Efficiently managing the Executive Director's schedule and facilitating office meetings, access, and incoming/outgoing communications.
  • Arranging travel arrangements and preparing expense and reimbursement reports, when needed.
  • Drafting, editing, and reviewing email correspondence, reports, and presentations.
• Acting as an organizational liaison for the international diplomatic community;
• Demonstrating a dedication to NGA's vision and objectives in effectively serving the requirements of all Governors; and
• Performing other tasks as delegated by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. A minimum of five years of experience, preferably in a Governor's office or similar C-level executive position.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

• Champion integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive and critical information;
• Manage multiple tasks and operate autonomously in a dynamic, evolving work environment, effectively setting priorities;
• Proficiently use Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint);
• Exercise exceptional attention to detail;
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and establish/maintain relationships and networks with various stakeholders at all levels;
• Thrive in a fast-paced setting;
• Possess excellent organizational skills and manage multiple projects and tasks effectively;
• Convey essential information clearly and succinctly, both in written and verbal communications;
• Have proficient written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Apply critical thinking and analytical capabilities
• Handle complex and occasionally conflicting matters, making informed judgments;
• Show strong adaptability to learn new concepts;
• Cooperate on a bipartisan basis to advance NGA's mission and objectives;
• Be willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary, and
• Travel as required.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their applications online via NGA's career portal. NGA leverages Clear Company for applications, ensuring complete confidentiality of all information. An application will be considered complete when all mandatory fields are filled. Include:

• Your resume highlighting your educational background, work experience, and directly transferable skills.
• A compilation of your notable achievements (attach to your candidate profile through Clear Company).

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodations may be arranged for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. NGA is dedicated to fostering a productive and secure environment. In pursuit of this objective, background and reference checks are conducted for all final applicants under employment consideration.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA employees serve Governors across the nation on a daily basis, with a commitment to offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package tailored to support the needs of NGA staff.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/D/F/V) committed to nurturing a dynamic, collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We advocate diversity and equitable employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.