Senior Legal Counsel Director

Title: Senior Legal Counsel Director

Client: Non Profit

Contract to Hire

Hybrid 6 days a month onsite rotating 3 days every other week

Payrate: $50/hr-$55/hr converting at 100,000-$115,000

Location: Midtown Manhattan, NYC

The Senior Director, Legal Counsel provides high-level legal support across nonprofit corporate operations, governance, compliance, contracting, and regulatory matters. This role partners closely with senior attorneys and organizational leadership to address day-to-day legal needs, ensure regulatory compliance, support Board governance, and advise on developments affecting nonprofit operations. The position is ideal for a mission-oriented attorney with broad experience in nonprofit, corporate, or government legal environments.

• Legal Advisory & Analysis
  • Advise senior attorneys, management, and internal stakeholders on nonprofit corporate law, compliance, governance, contracting, intellectual property, and litigation matters.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis to support senior attorneys across a wide range of operational and strategic issues.
• Contract Drafting & Negotiation
  • Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including sponsorship agreements, grant agreements, non-disclosure agreements, consulting agreements, licenses, and releases.
  • Provide guidance to senior attorneys and leadership on contract strategy, risk mitigation, and related legal considerations.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including lobbying rules, public policy requirements, and charitable solicitation laws in New York and nationwide.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments related to nonprofit operations, including employment, HR, and benefits legislation.
• Governance & Board Support
  • Prepare materials for Board and committee meetings.
  • Partner with the Chief Legal Officer and AVP, Legal Counsel on Board governance matters and internal governance processes.
• Cross-Functional Support & Special Projects
  • Collaborate with internal teams to address legal needs across departments.
  • Assist with special projects as assigned by senior attorneys.

• Required
  • J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
  • Admitted to practice law in New York State.
  • Minimum of four years practicing law, preferably within a law firm, government agency, or nonprofit organization.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating contracts.
  • Background that includes a mix of corporate, nonprofit, and/or government legal work.
• Preferred
  • Experience navigating nonprofit regulatory matters or governance.
  • Strong analytical, research, drafting, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide clear, practical legal guidance.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, judgment, and discretion in working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Initiative, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented approach to legal problem-solving.

• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Effective & Engaging Communication
• Planning & Execution
• Business Acumen & Strategic Direction

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to…