General Counsel

The SPLC is seeking a General Counsel committed to the SPLC's mission to serve as a catalyst for racial justice!

The General Counsel provides legal counsel and guidance to the leadership of the Southern Poverty Law Center to ensure maximum protection of the organization’s legal rights and that operations are fully compliant with the law.

Provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the President / CEO, the Executive Team, and the Board of Directors on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues related to carrying out the mission of the Center.

Who We Are

The SPLC engages in strategic litigation, research and documentation, policy advocacy, communications strategies, and community organizing to build a multi-racial and inclusive democracy, eradicate poverty, decriminalize and decarcerate Black and Brown communities, protect voting rights and civic engagement, and relegate white supremacy out of the mainstream.

To effectively counter the structural racism and other forms of oppression that exist today, we are committed to changing the South in order to lead the way for the rest of the country.

Who You Are

Experienced. Demonstrated experience guiding executive officers and board members on legal issues, including a track record of translating strategic thinking and legal analysis into action plans, outputs and results.

People Manager. Experienced manager with proven success in leading, training, and developing teams. Clear communicator of goals and priorities, organizational policies and processes, keeping the SPLC's best interest at the heart of all communications, decisions, and actions.

Knowledgeable. Proven knowledge of the U.S. political landscape, culture, social movements, race relations and socio- economic environment, and familiarity with the deep South, its history and culture.

Legal expert. Demonstrated knowledge in a broad range of legal disciplines including, but not limited to, employment / labor law, non-profit, privacy & security, and regulatory issues.

Excellent legal research and writing skills.

Effective Communicator. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.

Honorable. Unimpeachable ethics and integrity, emotional intelligence, strong moral compass, nimble, perseverance, strong attention to detail, unflappable, innovative, and courageous, especially regarding hard decisions, a sense of humor, and pleasant demeanor

Driven. Ability to thrive in and meet deadlines in a fast paced, dynamic, innovative, and high energy environment.

Collaborator. Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrated awareness for SPLC's mission and vision; and a commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture and antiracist principles and learning.

What You'll Do

Advise and counsel regarding corporate governance matters for both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) Boards.

Serve as Secretary of the c3 Board ensuring proper documentation of governance decisions and discussions.

In partnership with the President / CEO, advise executive team on legal issues associated with important strategic objectives and identify, prioritize, plan and implement risk management and compliance projects and strategies.

Advise and counsel human resources regarding investigations and employee disciplinary issues, EEOC, DOL and other complaints, and interpreting and drafting HR policies.

Render legal advice in all areas of general law, including procurement, labor, employment, investigations, intellectual property, media law, insurance, and fiscal and regulatory matters.

Review and approve all contracts and agreement terms with outside entities.

Oversee litigation and dispute resolution filed against the organization.

Select, retain, and manage legal services (including pro bono services) provided by outside counsel and technical consultants.

Act as a liaison with outside counsel and advisors.

Ensure that organization remains in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including tax laws governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and lobbying disclosure requirements.

Maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards, acting in compliance with both the letter and spirit of applicable laws and regulations.

Serve as organizational representative and spokesperson at public or external meetings.

Be an active and visible sponsor of our commitment to safeguarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Work with the communications and development departments to ensure communication strategies are compliant with applicable federal and state laws, including data privacy.

Manage a team of employees providing mentoring and coaching to support the work.

Hire, train, and monitor staff performance and development, and conduct performance reviews.

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• At least 10 years’ guiding executive officers and board members on legal issues; including a track record of translating strategic thinking and legal analysis into action plans, outputs and results;
• At least 7 years of managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development, and setting high standards; and
• Juris Doctorate Degree.

Compensation & Additional Information

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $243,739.00 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where and How You'll Work

This role the following work designations options :

• Local Remote : Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework : Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• Remote Distant : will work remotely and are not expected to work in the states in which the SPLC has an office or in an SPLC office.

They maybe required to attend occasional meetings or activities in the states in which the SPLC has an office or elsewhere.

This position will report to the President / CEO .

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer :

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.

These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.