General Counsel

Overview

Democracy Fund (the “Foundation”) has engaged Major, Lindsey & Africa on an exclusive basis to conduct a national search for a General Counsel.

Foundation 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, have 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.

Position Overview 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.

Experience 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.

Location: 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.

Compensation 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.