General Counsel

Overview

Democracy Fund has engaged Major, Lindsey & Africa on an exclusive basis to conduct a national search for a General Counsel. Applications are only being considered by applying directly through the firm using this link. Do not submit an application on the Democracy Fund website.

Democracy Fund is a foundation working to build an inclusive, multiracial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy. Funded by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, Democracy Fund, together with its partner organization Democracy Fund Voice, has committed over $500 million in grants since 2014 to support those working to strengthen our democracy. Democracy Fund collaborates with grantees, donors, and other partners to change America’s flawed system by strengthening and expanding the pro-democracy movement, defending against anti-democratic attacks, and advancing structural change.

Democracy Fund is seeking a General Counsel to lead legal affairs and strategy for the Foundation and its partner 501(c)(4), Democracy Fund Voice. The General Counsel serves as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Leadership Team and program teams, and is a member of the Executive Team, applying pragmatic risk tolerance to enable bold, compliant impact in a complex external environment.

The role also serves as Secretary to the Boards of both Democracy Fund and Democracy Fund Voice and plays a critical part in enterprise risk management, crisis response, and cross‑functional decision‑making across Legal, People/HR, Operations, Programs, and External Affairs.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of legal experience in philanthropic organizations and/or tax‑exempt experience across 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities and multi‑entity structures, coupled with seasoned in‑house judgment and practical exposure to government inquiries, congressional investigations, and litigation preparedness. Experience with private foundations, government service, or large mission‑driven nonprofits is beneficial.

Washington, D.C. Democracy Fund follows a hybrid remote and in‑office model. Local candidates based in the D.C. Metro area are highly preferred.

Commensurate with experience with the projected minimum hiring salary is $300,000. Democracy Fund provides a comprehensive, generous benefits package that includes medical; dental; vision; and wellness; paid time off, which includes paid family and medical leave; and workplace flexibility.

• Risk Management, Governance and Compliance
  • Maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards, acting in compliance with both the letter and spirit of applicable laws and regulations.
  • Serve as Secretary to the Board of Democracy Fund and Democracy Fund Voice, advising the Board of Directors’ activities as they pertain to governance, regulations, fiduciary duties, potential conflicts of interests, minutes, bylaws, oversight and conduct, and IRS compliance.
  • Lead Enterprise Risk Management processes, engaging board and Foundation leadership on how to manage risk and implementing risk management projects and strategies.
  • Advise on emerging trends and provide insight on the regulatory and legal climate by tracking the development of issues that impact tax-exempt organizations.
  • Oversee litigation and dispute resolution.
  • Ensure legal services and advice to People/HR on issues such as separation of employment, conflict of interest, and general employment and labor law compliance.
  • Oversee protection of Democracy Fund’s intellectual property rights.
  • Oversee entity-specific compliance, including filings, disclosures, and record‑keeping.
  • Negotiate commercial contracts and other operational agreements.

• Strategy
  • Provide guidance to the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, and Executive Team members on legal matters related to all aspects of the Foundation’s operations.
  • Advise the Foundation’s Executive Leadership Team, shaping the direction of the Foundation and weighing in on critical programmatic and operational decisions.
  • Serve as the Foundation’s representative and spokesperson at public meetings, formal and…