Skip to main content
Posted July 19, 2019

General Counsel

United Planning Organization
Washington, D.C. Full Time

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of...

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.

POSITION: Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel

DIVISION/OFFICE: Office of General Counsel

BULLETIN No: 03052019

SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with Experience

OPENING DATE: July 19, 2019

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

Direct, supervise and coordinate the provision of general legal services to the President and Chief Executive Officer, UPO Board of Directors, and UPO inclusive of program and administrative units. Work and communicate with Office Directors of the organization and attend all UPO Board meetings and, as required, committee meetings. Execute the directives of the President and Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Advise the President and Chief Executive Officer, Office Directors and Board of Directors on issues relating to the legal aspects of UPO’s contemplated actions, internal and external operations, and activities. Provide legal advice, counseling and representation for matters such as Federal and District contract law, labor and employment law, labor relations, real estate development, business strategy, governance and compliance policies, exempt organization law, conflict of interest policies, corporate structure and organizing documents, best practices and other issues as needed. Coordinate legal support from outside firms specializing in areas of the law relevant to transactions, litigation, and other legal matters beyond the scope of the incumbent’s expertise. Review and comment on UPO policies and internal procedures and formulate legal solutions to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations that may affect the operations of UPO. Receive and investigate inquiries or complaints from third parties, management, or Board related to UPO or UPO employees, as required or as needed. Direct and coordinate litigation responses in court and administrative actions where UPO is a party; represent UPO in court, in administrative hearings and other forums. Develop risk management policies and strategies with relevant staff to protect the integrity and assets of UPO. Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions on legal issues arising from the administration of UPO programs or activities with recommendations for consideration. Negotiate and/or prepare legal documents, including providing legal opinions for legal issues related to UPO operations, funding sources, including unsecured and secured transactions, for approval and execution by the President and Chief Executive Officer and/or board representative and certify their legal sufficiency. Respond to legislative, legal, and public inquiries regarding legal information relating to UPO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school; be admitted in good standing to practice in District of Columbia; and have at least eight years of relevant experience as a practicing attorney with extensive and progressively responsible experience in the application of legal skills which included analysis of complex legal and legislative issues, preparation of legal opinions, and the provision of legal advice involving interpretation and application of laws, regulations and standards relating to grants, contracts, and the operation of exempt organizations; and substantial expertise in one or more of the major practice areas of the Office of General Counsel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Membership in the District of Columbia Bar and at least eight years of relevant experience. Demonstrated skills and experience necessary to provide sophisticated legal advice and counsel reflecting sound judgment and offer substantive in-depth legal knowledge and expertise in areas applicable to the organization. Possess the fiscal and human resources management skills related to exempt organizations. Requires flexibility, creativity, judgment, integrity and comfort dealing with a broad range of legal matters. Proven excellent communication research and information technology skills

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

Relevant: 8 years (Required)
Education:

Doctorate (Required)
License:

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school (Required)
Work authorization:

United States (Required)

This listing expired on Sep 17. Applications are no longer accepted.

Below are some other jobs we think you might be interested in.