General Counsel

General Counsel

Are you a mission‑driven legal leader ready to shape the future of ocean conservation? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, compliance, and impact? Oceana is seeking a General Counsel to lead our global legal operations and ensure the highest standards of integrity and accountability across the organization.

As a key member of Oceana’s leadership team, the General Counsel reports directly to the SVP and advises the Board of Directors through this structure. This is a pivotal role that provides legal counsel across a wide range of issues — from nonprofit governance and employment law to international operations and reputational risk — all in support of our mission to protect and restore the abundance of the world’s oceans.

The General Counsel will oversee legal staff and manage outside counsel while working closely with senior leaders across Oceana’s nine country offices plus the European Union. The successful candidate will bring deep legal expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset to support Oceana’s campaigns, partnerships, and operations worldwide.

We are looking for a seasoned legal advisor who brings :

• At least 10 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior advisory or leadership role
• Expertise in nonprofit or charity law, employment law, contracts, or intellectual property
• Experience working across jurisdictions or with international affiliates (preferred)
• Prior in‑house counsel experience in a mission‑driven or NGO environment (highly preferred)
• A track record of advising executive leadership and boards on complex legal and strategic issues

This is a rare opportunity for a legal professional who is passionate about using the law as a tool for global change. You’ll help lead a high‑impact organization working to safeguard marine life and ecosystems, and you’ll do it with a team that values integrity, creativity, and collaboration.

Founded in 2001, Oceana is the world’s largest nonprofit solely focused on restoring ocean abundance and resilience. Through science‑based campaigns, we drive policy action in countries that govern nearly one‑third of the world’s wild‑caught fish, including Belize, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the 27 countries in the European Union. Our work delivers measurable change, ensuring a healthier future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them.

Salary range : $180,000 – $230,000

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.

Oceana’s U.S. offices have operated on a hybrid schedule and staff have been required to work from their assigned office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With agreement between the employee and their supervisor, the employee may work remotely Monday and Friday.

Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications for this role. Please apply by November 1, 2025

Apply Now

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