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Posted November 27, 2018

General Counsel

Compassion International
Colorado Springs, CO Full Time

The Senior Vice President and General Counsel serves as a member of Compassion’s Global Executive Team (GET) to provide Jesus-centered, courageous and...

The Senior Vice President and General Counsel serves as a member of Compassion’s Global Executive Team (GET) to provide Jesus-centered, courageous and influential leadership and management that strategically guides the global organization. The SVP and GC also leads and manages Compassion’s global legal, risk management, and board development functions to provide expert counsel on and execution in areas such as legal affairs, enterprise risk, Global Partner Alliance, employment law, governance, policy, crisis management, global board development, copyright and trademark issues, geopolitical concerns, compliance, governance and governmental advocacy.  This person is responsible for partnering with the CEO and GET on major corporate decision-making including strategy, culture, resource allocation, reputation, enterprise contract negotiations, new products, new geographies, etc.  The person must balance serving as a lawyer-statesperson who provides specialized legal counsel with serving as a partner-guardian who serves as a wise counselor that contributes multidimensional business input and leadership that guides and protects the organization.

Essential Job Functions
Responsibilities

Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ, maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Compassion, and faithfully upholds Compassion’s ministry in prayer.
Acts as an advocate for children – raising the awareness of the needs, neglect, nurture, and potential of children in poverty and challenging and enabling those within one’s influence to greater involvement and effectiveness on behalf of children.
As a member of the Global Executive Team, actively participates in discussion and debate – not just about law, risks, and policy but also in the setting of corporate direction, planning, budgeting, resource allocation, execution, identifying opportunities and geopolitical implications for the ministry. Brings expertise, breadth, judgment and practical wisdom to introduce “constructive challenge” to such discussions in healthy ways. This can involve slowing decisions down until facts are gathered and analysis is complete, and when necessary, saying no to improper actions, never afraid to speak out on what is “right” for the ministry. Partners with peer GET leaders and other senior managers to develop points of view on emerging topics that provide strategic guidance and clarity to the ministry and its leaders.
Maintains a healthy and productive relationship with the Compassion International Board of Directors to render legal analysis and guidance on Compassion’s operations.  Contributor to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Compassion International Board of Directors providing legal perspective and updates to the Board. Ensures that a system is in place that monitors corporate governance including reviewing and monitoring Compassion Bylaws, ensuring compliance with Bylaw provisions, and recommending adjustments, where needed, to comply with federal non-profit corporation laws
Leads Compassion’s global legal function to navigate complex and fast-changing international law, regulation, litigation, cross-border transactions, and policy across the globe where Compassion is operating or could operate in the future. Provides contextualized legal expertise to guide ministry leaders understanding in “what is the law” that the global ministry must follow in multiple jurisdictions, with varying enforcement practices, conflicting formal mandates and legal ambiguity.
Establishes relationships and leads in-house and outside attorneys to provide counsel to all senior management and to obtain technical assistance and pro-bono legal services in all areas affecting the organization, including intellectual property, publishing, real estate, labor, litigation, tax, and not-for-profit law both in the USA and other countries here Compassion is operating. Establishes productive and successful relationships with legal counsel in the countries in which we serve and operate. Oversees the development and maintenance of key governmental relationships globally.  Exercises a high level of decision-making and signing authority for all contracts of significant dollar value.  Oversees legal staff who draft and review legal documents, including commercial leases and contracts, charitable registrations and compliance, and technology-related work, including internet service provider contracts, and negotiates the terms of such agreements.
Leads the Office of Risk Management staff, to include risk, audit, governance, and information and physical security. Ensure that comprehensive internal audit and risk management programs are in place to provide management with a systematic review and assurance that governance processes and compliance methods are in place; protecting the organization from fraud and abuse by ensuring that appropriate processes for reporting and managing unethical or illegal actions are in place and by providing support to the investigation of any allegations; and providing leadership, advice and direction regarding crisis management and contingency planning, risk exposure, regulatory and internal compliance, ethical practice, and information security.
Leads the Global Board Development function in developing and implementing a strategic plan to equip and develop Global Partner Alliance boards’ abilities to provide quality governance oversight to the Compassion organizations. Connects and stays informed  on the Compassion ministry in all areas in order to respond, train and represent the ministry activities in some depth to the global boards providing a resource for exposure and accountability.
Leads and manages the GCO team, budget, and strategic contributions to the organization.
Qualifications
Faith

Has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Culture

Accountable for supporting, upholding, and engaging in Compassion's core "Cultural Behaviors" in all internal and external communication and relationships.

Education

Juris Doctorate Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA accredited law school required.

Work Experience

Ten years Legal experience in a government, firm or corporate environment required.

Licenses and Certifications

Currently licensed to practice law in the United States.

*** Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above ***

Working Environment: Office – Standard Office Environment

Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, and/or walking for up to 8 hours per day

Travel Requirements: May be required to travel up to 25% of normal schedule

This listing expired on Jan 26. Applications are no longer accepted.

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