Job Description

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here .

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

JOB SUMMARY

The General Counsel is functionally responsible for the legal affairs of CSG and affiliate organizations and has the responsibility and obligation to identify, develop, communicate and monitor issues and policies and advise on solutions and compliance with applicable laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serving as the General Counsel for the organization, particularly in the area of federal, state, and private procurement law, including awards, grants, cooperative agreements, sub-contracts, licenses, releases and other necessary forms of legal agreements.
• Responsible for assuring the availability, continuity and quality of competent, timely, and cost effective legal services, ensuring that the business affairs of CSG are carried out promptly in compliance with ethical standards, existing laws and administrative regulations.
• Representing the interests of CSG in resolving disputes, claims or lawsuits against it and affiliate organizations, in a manner which is both economical and consistent with the best business and ethical interests of the organization.
• Participate in strategic visioning of institutional and policy direction with executive director/CEO, national and regional senior management teams, national officers, and Leadership Council.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing a service unit within CSG that responds quickly and efficiently to requests from management and staff for legal advice and service. Areas of focus include:

• Procurement law (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, subcontracts, service agreements, consulting agreements and memoranda of understanding) including reviewing, drafting, negotiation, and compliance.
• Insurance, intellectual property, and personnel/employment law.
• Tax law and real property law.
• Affiliation and non-profit issues.
• Risk identification, assessment and management.
• Management of outside counsel and crisis management.
• Information management and records retention.
• Ethics and best practices research and staff training.
• Internal investigations and audits.
• Multi-jurisdictional practice and issue identification.
• Serving as an advisory member of the Uniform Law Commission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Duties also include serving as an integral member of the senior management team, working with outside counsel on necessary matters, and participating in CSG meetings and events as needed.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
• Grant management and contract experience.
• Superior planning, communication and facilitation skills; strong research and writing skills; sound business judgment; demonstrated analytical skills; capacity to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with all levels of employees and external contacts.
• Possesses ability to be strategic in approach, results oriented, and effective in prioritization and organization of workload.
• Proficiency in Word, internet, and Westlaw and other research technologies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor from an accredited University.
• License to practice law in Commonwealth of Kentucky
• Previous experience as General Counsel of a non-profit organization or government agency.
• Ten (10) years relevant experience in state government or non-profit organizations preferred.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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