Junior Counsel - Third Sector New England

Overview

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org) is working to build a more just, equitable society. We do this by providing capacity building services, consulting and training services, and operational support for hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. We are partners and colleagues working collaboratively to support areas critical for organizations, including property management, leadership development and support, finance and accounting, human resources, and organizational development. We live by our values as an organization and are committed to identifying, including, and valuing the unique skills, perspectives, and knowledge of each member of our team.

About our Values:

• Justice-A just society is one in which all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive. We seek to create a more just world in all of our work.
• Progress- We commit our resources, expertise, and energy to delivering high-quality support and services that make movement toward a more just world possible.
• Impact- We work collaboratively with others to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations that work toward social good.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance and oversight of the Contracts Staff Attorney, the Junior Counsel supports the missions of our fiscally sponsored organizations (FSOs) and TSNE as an organization in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-based environment. The Junior Counsel plays a central role as part of the TSNE team managing the contracting needs of FSOs, as well as TSNE’s other lines of services and internal departments. The Junior Counsel must be able to balance efficient drafting and review of contracts with attention to detail and application of legal principles to promote and protect the missions and legal interests of TSNE and its FSOs. In addition, the Junior Counsel must be customer service-oriented, tech-savvy, and an effective communicator with both clients and colleagues. The Junior Counsel works with TSNE colleagues to meet the evolving needs of social justice initiatives housed at TSNE.

Essential Functions

Contracts Drafting, Review & Negotiation – 90%

• Under the supervision of the Contracts Staff Attorney, draft, review, and negotiate contracts and grants (including, but not limited to: vendor agreements, leases, fee-for-service contracts, etc.) on behalf of TSNE’s FSOs and TSNE’s internal programs, teams, and departments, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations (including Uniform Guidance), and TSNE policies, protocols, and procedures, and funding terms.
• Own assigned contracts, ensuring that they make it through all stages of the contracts process, from drafting and negotiation through signature, within the timeframes established by Legal Team leadership for contract turnaround.
• Support the Associate Counsel, Contracts, and the Contracts Staff Attorney in the review, update, and development of contract templates in accordance with changes in applicable law and/or organizational processes/priorities.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with FSOs and colleagues as needed during the contracts process to manage expectations, clarify priorities, discuss acceptable modifications, etc.
• Develop an understanding of the mission and program of FSOs and work to identify and mitigate potential risks within their respective contracts.
• Work in partnership with other members of the Legal Team to provide excellent client services to TSNE internal teams and FSOs and collaborate across the organization to ensure all stakeholders' legal needs are met.

Contracts Management & Process – 10%

• Support the Contract Team’s efforts, as managed day-to-day by the Contracts Administrator, to keep organization-wide contract records updated in Salesforce and shared drives.
• Work with the Contracts Team and internal constituencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate and improve the contracts process for the organization.
• Complete projects related to improving the contracts process, from launch through completion, as assigned by Legal Team leadership.
• Support and participate in the development of ongoing written guidance and training for staff and FSOs, including updates to processes and templates.

Complete other tasks and projects related to the position, as needed.