Officer, Legal Affairs and Counsel (Hybrid)

Legal Affairs Department

The Pew Charitable Trusts is tackling some of the most pressing challenges we face today, whether it is addressing the impacts of climate change, conserving the natural environment and the rich diversity of life it supports, improving the efficiency of government services to benefit all people, promoting civic engagement and supporting the freedoms underpinning our democracy, or addressing health and welfare challenges impacting marginalized communities. Pew’s Legal Affairs team provides crucial legal guidance to diverse teams of experts who develop, support, and communicate research and analyses explaining critical emerging issues, inform public policy, and advocate for solutions to these and other important problems.

For over 20 years, Pew has made dramatic advances in its charitable activities. In this role, you’ll be at the center of Pew’s efforts, supporting the organization as the work grows in volume and complexity. Your astute legal insights will be put to good use, as this position is responsible for a wide and growing array of legal matters.

Position Overview:

Pew is seeking a client oriented and highly skilled attorney for the position of Officer, Legal Affairs and Counsel. The primary responsibility of this position is to support Pew’s programmatic units on a wide variety of legal issues. In addition to advising clients on lobbying and government ethics compliance, day-to-day duties of this position include advising on contracting, intellectual property, data sharing, and defamation; drafting and reviewing agreements (such as grant, fee-for-service, memoranda of understanding and data sharing); conducting legal research and analysis on requirements applicable to Pew's expanding activities, including internationally; working with outside counsel as necessary; supporting complex nonprofit transactional projects for Pew’s programmatic teams; and liaising between the Legal Affairs department and Pew staff.

This position can be in either Pew’s Washington, DC or Philadelphia, PA offices and will report to the Director, Legal Affairs and Senior Counsel. This position is eligible for hybrid work.

Responsibilities:

• Counsel and train staff on legal and compliance issues relating to federal, state, local and international lobbying.

• Advise on relevant developments in the areas of non-profit legal practice, including advocacy/lobbying, government ethics, prohibited campaign intervention, and grants and contracts, among others.

• Assist internal clients in strategically planning projects, agreements, communications and other ongoing programmatic work to assure compliance with all applicable domestic and international laws.

• Provide risk-calibrated, legally informed business advice in support of Pew’s existing, expanding and new lines of domestic and international work.

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of contracts in connection with Pew's work.

• Identify, assess and communicate legal and business risks, including reputational risks, to decision makers.

• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to inform department and organizational objectives and outcomes.

• Manage outside counsel as necessary for specialized/localized legal advice.

• Opportunities to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

• Other duties as assigned.

  Requirements

• J.D., licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia or Pennsylvania, or eligible for such admission promptly upon hiring.

• Generally, requires eight years of relevant experience, with a minimum of five years of legal experience.

• Experience advising nonprofits or other organizations on lobbying, government relations, and government ethics.

• Strong client service skills and the ability to resolve problems creatively, collaboratively, and effectively; to identify underlying issues, patterns and trends in complex situations; and to apply relevant expertise and experience to solving diverse legal questions.

• Exemplary communications skills, including the ability to summarize issues and address them in a clear, concise and easily understood manner.

• Experience in developing and conducting trainings and educational resources for diverse audiences.

• The successful candidate must be confident, yet collegial, with strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to develop productive, trusting relationships at all levels.

• Proficiency in a foreign language, especially Spanish, and experience advising clients on international work desired, but not required.

Travel

Minimal travel to conferences, meetings, and Pew’s other offices.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

For more than 75 years we have used data to make a difference—addressing the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious strategies that lead to tangible progress. Through rigorous inquiry and knowledge sharing, we inform and engage public-spirited citizens and organizations, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause. We are a dedicated team of researchers, communicators, advocates, subject matter experts, and professionals working on some of today’s big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our hometown and the majority of our staff located in Washington, D.C., our U.S. and international staff find working at Pew personally and professionally rewarding.

Wise stewardship of resources allows Pew employees to pursue work that strategically furthers our mission in significant and measurable ways. We collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic partners, public and private organizations, and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven initiatives to improve society. Pew attracts top talent, people of integrity who are service-oriented and willing to take on challenging assignments. We provide competitive pay and benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and a respectful and inclusive workplace. Pew employees are proud of their colleagues, proud of where they work, and proud of the institution’s reputation.