General Counsel
| Req Number: | TEKRRH |
| Location: | Washington, DC/Hybrid |
| Posted: | 5/26/2026 |
| Category: | Government/Not-For-Profit : Not-For-Profit |
| Job Type: | Permanent |
Korn Ferry is partnering with an influential, nonpartisan climate and energy organization to recruit its first General Counsel to build and lead the in-house legal function during a period of growth and increasing complexity.
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The organization is a trusted voice in climate policy, working at the intersection of government, business, and philanthropy to advance practical solutions for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Its work focuses on policy development, business engagement, and convening senior stakeholders across sectors.
The Role
This is a build-and-scale opportunity. The General Counsel will establish core legal infrastructure and serve as a hands-on advisor to senior leadership and the Board.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building core legal processes (contracts, governance, compliance, and approvals)
- Advising on nonprofit governance, including 501(c)(3) and affiliated advocacy structures
- Supporting lobbying, advocacy, and political compliance frameworks
- Managing contracts, grants, and strategic partnerships
- Overseeing outside counsel
- Advising on legal, reputational, and organizational risk
Requirements
- J.D. and active bar membership in good standing
- 7+ years of legal experience
- Experience supporting or advising nonprofits, foundations, policy organizations, or other mission-driven institutions
- Strong grounding in nonprofit governance and compliance
- Experience with contracts, grants, and general business affairs
- Familiarity with advocacy, lobbying, or political law considerations (direct experience or ability to spot issues and manage outside counsel)
- Demonstrated ability to operate in a lean environment and manage a broad portfolio of legal matters
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as Senior Counsel, Associate/Deputy General Counsel, or first in-house legal hire
- Background in a nonprofit, foundation, think tank, association, or policy-oriented organization
- Experience managing outside counsel and building internal legal processes
- Exposure to climate, energy, ESG, philanthropy, or public-policy environments
- Strong judgment and ability to translate legal issues into practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders
Compensation: Base salary range: $180,000 – $200,000 + benefits
Location: Washington, DC/Hybrid
510796725
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.
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