Assistant General Counsel

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

FLSA: Exempt

Department: The Office of the General Counsel

Reports To: General Counsel

Location: Remote/National travel required (approx. one trip monthly)

Time Zone: You must be willing to work east coast time/hours and here are the hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Where we Operate: This position is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and currently reside in the following: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. 

CAIR only accepts applications from candidates residing in these states. Applicants who are not currently located in one of these states may still apply; however, they will be formally notified that, if selected, they must relocate to a state in which CAIR operates and/or to a location aligned with the job announcement prior to the start of employment.

Salary Range:   A new hire can expect to be offered $116,000 as a new hire in the role.   The compensation for this role is set and not subject to negotiation.

Position Summary:

The Assistant General Counsel assists the General Counsel in all aspects of CAIR’s legal affairs, provides legal advice and guidance to the General Counsel, and assists in managing all operations within the Office of the General Counsel. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advising on and assisting the General Counsel with legal matters that affect CAIR’s corporate, governance, program, fundraising, finance, human resources, marketing, public relations, operations, government-relations, intellectual property, policy, and other functions.

• Assisting the General Counsel with identifying and analyzing legal issues and risks, presenting recommendations and ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues and monitoring developments in applicable laws and regulations.

• Performing a wide range of duties including the provision of professional legal services and serving as a liaison for all CAIR departments, divisions and offices.

• Drafting, developing, reviewing, negotiating, and analyzing contracts, agreements, policies, procedures, guidelines, and other legal documents with internal and external stakeholders as assigned by and under the supervision of the General Counsel.

• Handling and advising on legal matters that pertain to human resources, including, but not limited to, hiring practices, employee relations, employment contracts, employee handbooks, minimum wage and hours laws, executive compensation, and labor and immigration law.

• Handling and advising on legal matters that pertain to CAIR’s relationships with its affiliates and subsidiaries.

• Developing and implementing legal strategies, best practices, and training programs to protect CAIR’s interests and mitigate legal risks.

• Assisting with litigation strategy, managing outside counsel relationship, and handling and coordinating any litigation, administrative proceeding, regulatory scrutiny, or other legal disputes involving the organization.

• Preparing memorandums, reports, and presentations as necessary.

• May act on behalf of the General Counsel in his/her absence as directed.

• Must maintain a holistic understanding of CAIR’s operations, objectives, and goals.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from accredited law school.

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (District of Columbia bar license is preferred).

• Minimum of five to seven years of legal experience.

• Experience of five to seven years of working in a nonprofit organization.

• Knowledge and experience in compliance, contract law, employment law, litigation, and dispute resolution.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the organization.

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively, handle multiple projects and deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and demands is also necessary.

• Ability to manage numerous matters and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation Package:

• Health Insurance is available through CAREFIRST.

• The employee cost share for health benefits is up to 20%.

• Dental and vision benefits are covered by the employer at 100%.

• 401K retirement benefits with an employer match up to 4%.

• We offer thirteen paid holidays.

• Vacation, sick, and personal leave are offered.

• Ancillary coverage is available: Life, AD & D, and long-term disability coverages.

• Optional FSA (flexible spending account)

• HSA (Health Savings Account) must meet certain requirements.

• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is available.

• A professional development stipend is available.

• Tuition reimbursement (must meet certain requirements)

• If you currently have student loans, you can certify your employment annually for PSLF.