Job Opening: Deputy General Counsel

Vacancy Announcement – December 16, 2011

Position Location:     Headquarters - Baltimore, MD                                     
FLSA Status:              Exempt
Travel:                         Moderate to Heavy                                                           

Summary:

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

We are seeking a Deputy General Counsel to support the work and activities of the Legal Department and the General Counsel by providing legal advice and general assistance on all activities of the NAACP; to ensure maximum protection of the organization’s legal rights; and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law.

Summary of Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel’s principal functions are as follows:

  • Provides legal counsel to the General Counsel, department heads, and regional offices on legal implications of proposed programs and activities.
  • Provides legal counsel to NAACP units on those matters which have legal implications on a national basis or on national-branch relationships.
  • Keeps abreast of government legislation, which has a potential legal impact on the NAACP particularly as it relates to tax exemption. Advises National and NAACP units, board, and staff of pertinent regulations and develops appropriate guidelines related thereto as directed by the General Counsel.
  • Serves as a channel of communication with outside counsel and coordinates such efforts.
  • Monitors the legal activities of civil and human rights groups to identify those in which the NAACP may wish to participate and to determine legal forms of participation.
  • Provides guidance in drafting and interpreting contracts and other legally binding documents.
  • Reviews contracts and other legally binding documents, along with modifications or amendments thereto, to ensure that the terms and conditions conform to NAACP policies and practices and that the interests and rights of the NAACP are protected.
  • Expedites full execution of all contracts, grant awards, related modification and amendments, and other legally binding documents, including special bank agreements, corporate resolutions, outside legal opinions, bond and insurance instruments.
  • Prepares and reviews the Legal Department’s budget, as required.
  • Oversees the preparation of basic corporate documents, (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, By Laws, Terms of Affiliations and leases or subleases for real property.)
  • Provides staff service to the NAACP units and to task forces or ad hoc committees as directed by the General Counsel.
  • Supervises and monitors activities of staff attorneys and support staff.
  • Performs duties as delegated by the General Counsel in her absence.
  • Any and all other duties as determined by the General Counsel.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position will posses many, if not all, of the following professional qualifications, competencies and personal qualities:

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney with significant litigation experience and an emphasis on civil rights activity
  • Trained and experienced lawyer with specialized knowledge in Constitutional Law and the various civil rights statutory enactments, Executive Orders, and regulations
  • Experience conducting trials, as well as the handling of appeals, including drafting briefs and making oral arguments at the appellate level in the federal and state court
  • Ability to perform corporate legal transactions
  • Strong oral communications and interpersonal skills
  • Persuasive presentation skills
  • Ability for high performance in a fast-pace environment
  • Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills
  • Capacity for strategic and creative thinking
  • Experience in or demonstrated commitment to civil rights matters
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to develop and lead new and existing projects
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively and frequently nationwide
  • Ability and willingness to work non-standard work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Nondiscrimination:

It is the continuing policy of the NAACP to take affirmative action to assure equal opportunity for all current and prospective employees without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, past convictions or incarceration, prior psychiatric treatment, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. The NAACP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply: Resume, cover letter, writing sample, and salary requirements should be sent to NAACP:

Email: hresources@naacpnet.org (preferred method)

Mail: NAACP – Human Resources, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215

Fax:  (410) 580-5735