General Counsel

🇺🇸In-Person - New York, NY$250K–$400K/yriJust now

K-12 Executive Legal Strategy Governance Compliance Contract Management Litigation Management

Role Snapshot

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal and governance strategist for KIPP Foundation and its network of schools, partnering with the Board and CEO to address high-stakes legal, regulatory, and reputational matters while advancing the organization's mission.

Key Responsibilities: Lead the Foundation's response to complex litigation, investigations, and politically sensitive legal matters; serve as strategic counselor to the CEO on issues intersecting legal, strategic, and reputational considerations; oversee contract negotiations, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and outside counsel management across KIPP Foundation and all related school entities.

Skills & Tools: Seasoned litigation and strategic counsel experience in high-stakes legal environments; sharp legal judgment with ability to provide candid, independent advice; strong contract negotiation and corporate governance expertise; proficiency in employment law, real property matters, and nonprofit regulatory compliance including 501(c)(3) operations.

Qualifications: Extensive experience as a litigator and strategic legal counselor in complex, high-performance environments; demonstrated ability to work effectively with C-suite executives and board members; deep knowledge of charter school law, nonprofit governance, and federal/state regulatory frameworks.

Location: In-Person - New York, NY

Compensation: $250K–$400K/yr (estimated)

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Job Description

About The Position

The General Counsel sets the legal and governance strategy for KIPP Foundation and the network of KIPP schools, partnering with the Board and senior leadership team. As a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership, the General Counsel directs the Foundation’s response to legal, policy, and regulatory matters affecting the mission. This position provides a blend of both legal and business services enabling KIPP Foundation to reach its mission. The General Counsel will be a seasoned litigator and strategic counselor, drawing on experience in high-stakes, high-performance legal environments. This is a hands-on partnership role with the CEO — the right candidate brings sharp legal judgment, comfort with candor and rigor, and the credibility to push back when needed. The General Counsel is expected to work closely and effectively with board members.

Responsibilities

Lead the Foundation's response to high-stakes legal, regulatory, and reputational matters, including litigation, investigations, and politically sensitive issues affecting the network.

Serve as a thought partner to the CEO on matters where legal, strategic, and reputational considerations intersect, exercising independent judgment and candid counsel.

Set legal strategy in partnership with the CEO and senior leaders; direct the resolution of strategic matters with legal implications.

Partner with the CEO and Board on all legal matters impacting KIPP Foundation; provide legal advice and support to all internal teams and leaders.

Serve as a critical business partner to the office of the CEO in advancing the organization’s mission.

Prepare reviews and negotiate contracts, legal documents, and business agreements; draft, review, and approve contracts between KIPP Foundation, vendors, service providers, as well as KIPP Schools and related entities.

Ensure that KIPP Foundation conducts its operations according to applicable federal laws, state laws, and regulations including employment laws.

Represent the Foundation before all legal forums including governmental and regulatory agencies, courts, and arbitration bodies; provide direction and oversight for government reviews, investigations, and other state entities.

Facilitate and manage the appropriate use of outside counsel and coordinate legal operations and issues as needed.

Oversee corporate governance documents, including bylaws, for all KIPP Schools and related entities.

Oversee 1023 Applications (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) and IRS responses for all KIPP Schools and related entities.

Oversee leases, service agreements, license agreements, and other legal documents for KIPP National and all KIPP Schools and related entities.

Provide legal analysis and counsel regarding various issues (including employment and real property) for KIPP National and all KIPP Schools and related entities.