Associate General Counsel at HIAS

POSITION SUMMARY: Associate General Counsel

HIAS seeks an Associate General Counsel to conduct internal investigations (including for allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, and whistleblower complaints), monitor relations with and governance processes of boards of HIAS-affiliated entities globally, conduct legal reviews of contracts and grants, draft plain language agreements, perform legal research and advise internal components on a range of legal issues and organizational compliance.

This position can be based in our Silver Spring, Maryland headquarters, or we are also open to remote candidates based in the U.S. and Latin America. Spanish fluency is required, and candidates will be expected to travel extensively, with visa access to countries where HIAS conducts operations, including Venezuela.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads investigations regarding allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, whistleblower complaints and certain personnel matters related to HIAS’ global operations.
• Monitors governance practices and relations with the boards of HIAS-affiliated entities globally.
• Drafts plain language contracts and grants, and reviews such documents from external parties, including investment-related documents.
• Performs legal research on a range of legal issues affecting HIAS’ initiatives, projects and operations, advises on the same and composes memoranda for staff and leadership within HIAS.
• Acts as a liaison for HIAS in legal matters and coordinates with outside counsel.
• Interprets and advises on laws and regulations that impact HIAS.
• Assists in the development of new policies and programs, staffing and training process, research and preparation of presentations and reports.
• Interacts with affiliates, vendors and clients.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school or an equivalent degree from a law school of another country.
• Minimum 6 years of experience.
• 3 years of experience conducting sensitive institutional and personnel investigations.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required, with proficiency in French preferred.
• Ability to travel extensively, with visa access to countries where HIAS conducts operations, including Venezuela.
• Experience in plain language drafting, reviewing and amending contracts and/or grants.
• Demonstrated ability to persuade and negotiate on complex issues.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad variety of legal matters, including employment issues across international offices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; excellent problem solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills including the ability to translate complex legal issues for non-legal audiences.
• NGO experience working in highly complex operating areas such as Venezuela and Chad preferred.
• Knowledge of non-profit corporate governance preferred.
• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite products preferred.
• Strong commitment to HIAS’ mission.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts, and history of the Jewish people – a history of oppression, displacement, and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history, and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission, and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected status.

For questions, please contact Spencer Hirsch, Director, Talent Acquisition or Carolyn Hamburg, Talent Acquisition Associate.