Overview
Internal Candidates Only- Graduate Student Assistant – Administrative Legal Assistant Jobs in Sacramento, CA at University Enterprises, Inc.
Helen Keller
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Director, Legal Affairs
Part-Time
(Global position – flexible to be based where Helen Keller can support employment)
Guided by the remarkable legacy of our founder, Helen Keller, Helen Keller Intl partners with
communities striving to overcome longstanding cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential
building blocks of good health, sound nutrition and clear vision, we help millions of people create
lasting change in their own lives. Working in more than 20 countries – across Africa, Asia, Europe
and in the United States – and together with a global community of supporters, we are ensuring
every person has the opportunity – as Helen did – to reach their potential.
As we continue to grow and impact lives, we are seeking a part-time Director, Legal Affairs. The
Director of Legal Affairs will play a pivotal role in advancing the legal and compliance
framework for Helen Keller, a leading international non-profit organization working in global
public health. This position is responsible for overseeing and guiding legal and regulatory
matters, ensuring the organization operates in alignment with international and local laws,
and supporting the overall mission of the organization. This includes management of pro
bono and paid relationships with law firms, providing timely advice and guidance to local
counsel in countries where Helen Keller operates and supporting all aspects of the
organization’s risk management activities. As a part-time role, the Director will bring strategic
legal insight to various operational, programmatic, and partnership areas while working
collaboratively with cross-functional teams across the globe. The position will have an
important role to liaise with the Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees, the Audit and
Risk Committee, and members of the Executive Committee.
As a senior member of Helen Keller’s staff, the Director will act as a bearer of our organizational
culture, including upholding our organizational values of compassion, courage, equity, integrity
and rigor. They will also have team management responsibilities where they are responsible for
nurturing talent and producing project results on time and within scope that will serve the
organization into the future.
Functional Relationships
The Director is a member of the Finance and Operations Group and has a special relationship to
all members of the Executive team providing legal support and advice. The Director also has an
important working relationship with Country leaders who engage and guide local legal counsel to
resolve registration, labor, and tax and other compliance issues. The Director will also work
closely with colleagues in the Finance, People & Culture, Information Systems, Grants &
Contracts, and Fundraising Operations teams to help resolve contract issues, negotiate
agreements, interpret and act on laws, manage litigation and identify and respond to risk factors.
Externally, the Director manages relationships with outside firms, confers with legal professionals
in the non-profit field, and interacts with government regulatory agencies as required. The
Director also enjoys a relationship with the Board of Trustees, particularly the Governance
Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, and specific members of the Executive Committee.
Specific Responsibilities
Provide Legal Advice and Support
Provide expert legal advice on organizational strategy, operations, and programs, and
People & Culture particularly in the areas of public health, international law, and non-profit
governance and labor laws.
Draft (in whole or in part) and/or review contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs),
employment agreements, teaming agreements, complex gifts, non-disclosure agreements,
leases, and other agreements as required. Advise or lead negotiations for such
agreements, as required.
Ensure legal compliance with local and international laws, including regulatory
requirements governing health organizations, privacy and disclosure regulations, state
registrations for solicitations and charitable bequests, and tax laws.
Advise on and manage intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, and
licensing agreements. Such matters may relate to affiliation agreements, cause marketing,
and other issues relevant to international non-profits.
Advise on the proper structure for new initiatives and partnerships from a legal
perspective.
Advise on complex and contested gifts that occasionally arise, such as from estates.
Manage recruitment of and relationships with external firms (pro bono and paid) to ensure
that legal issues get resolved in a timely, quality manner
Liaise with regulatory bodies as needed.
Advice and help in vetting and approving local attorneys in country offices and liaise with
them on legal/labor issues and litigation as needed.
Oversee Risk Management & Governance Activities
Oversee risk management and ensure that legal issues are proactively identified and
mitigated.
Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal matters such as compliance and
legal best practices.
Assist in corporate governance matters, including board meetings and corporate filings.
Monitor international legal developments and emerging trends relevant to the non-profit
sector and global public health.
Support the Board of Trustees on governance-related matters, including the development
of corporate policies, bylaws, and board procedures.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Oversee legal disputes and litigation, including managing outside counsel and ensuring
appropriate resources are allocated to legal matters.
Provide advice on dispute resolution strategies, including mediation, arbitration, or
settlement negotiations.
Advisory and Strategic Guidance
• Provide legal counsel to senior leadership on major organizational decisions, mergers and
acquisitions, partnerships, and expansion into new regions or countries.
Collaborate with various departments, such as development, marketing, and operations, to
align legal advice with organizational goals.
Offer guidance on advocacy efforts, public policy, and the legal implications of government
relations and lobbying activities.
Training and Internal Education
• Develop and conduct legal training sessions for staff members as required, particularly on
key issues such as compliance, intellectual property, and ethical standards.
Raise awareness of legal risks within the organization and promote a culture of legal
mindfulness among employees and leadership.
Budget and Knowledge Management
Plan and manage the legal budget cost center, ensuring that funds are optimized for
maximum value to the organization.
Manage and organize legal advice received to ensure we refer back to previous
investments and properly leverage our institutional knowledge and previous support.
Draft and maintain policies as they relate to governance and legal issues in conjunction
with Executive Leadership Team members and business owners.
Qualifications
For our team to be a great fit for you, the following qualifications should resonate with you:
Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal qualification, with admission to the bar (country
specific as applicable).
At least 10 years of experience practicing law, with a strong focus on international law and
non-profit organizations. Experience working on multi-country activities or within multiple
countries is preferred.
Familiarity with issues related to country office registration and operations, taxes and labor
laws related to an international non-profit are important to this role.
Experience in managing legal risks and providing strategic legal counsel to senior leaders
in complex, global organizations.
Knowledge of US government grantmaking regulations, international non-profit
regulations, non-profit governance, charitable bequests, and cross-border compliance.
Experience in legal training, including the ability to develop and deliver engaging sessions
on compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and ethical standards for diverse
audiences.
Strong financial and knowledge management skills, with experience in budgeting,
organizing legal resources, and developing governance policies to enhance institutional
knowledge and operational efficiency.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal
issues for non-legal audiences.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize
tasks effectively.
Strong influencing and prioritization skills.
Fluency in English is required; additional language proficiency is a plus.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of non-profit organizations,
particularly in the public health sector.
Experience working in or with international organizations is preferred.
Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zone.
We envision this role being part-time at 3/5th level of effort with flexible hours, ideal for a self-
motivated individual who can offer legal expertise on a strategic, global scale while supporting the
mission of a dynamic, international public health non-profit organization.
Compensation
The full-time annualized midpoint of the salary range for this position is $176,000. Actual salary
will vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, salary of internal peers, and
functional specialty. Helen Keller offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes first-day
eligibility for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance coverage,
along with an Employee Assistance Program, a retirement savings plan with an employer match,
paid vacation leave, sick & wellness leave, parental/adoption leave, and opportunities for learning
and development.
Expected Behaviors
As a member of the Hellen Keller Family, each employee is expected to:
Help develop and maintain an environment that welcomes and develops a diverse workforce.
Foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Support employees’ evaluation and promotion processes based on skills and performance.
Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all members of Helen Keller family,
stakeholders in general, and particularly for the communities we serve.
Follow Helen Keller Code of Conduct helping to prevent any type of abuse including
workplace harassment, sexual abuse and exploitation, and trafficking in persons.
Adhere to the Organizational Core Values
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an
inclusive workforce where diversity in all its forms is fully valued.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation,
gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you
are a qualified individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation during the
application or interview process, please contact us at the email above or call: +1 646-356-1789,
Title: Internal Candidates Only- Graduate Student Assistant – Administrative Legal Assistant
Company: University Enterprises, Inc.
Location: Sacramento, CA
