Director and Senior Counsel, Commercial

Location

This position may be remote or hybrid, with a preference for candidates within commuting distance of EDF’s New York or D.C. offices.

Overall Function

Working closely with, and reporting directly to, the Managing Counsel, Global Commercial, the Director & Senior Counsel, Commercial will provide corporate and legal support and risk management services to the organization on a wide range of complex day-to-day legal issues including service agreements, grant agreements, contractor agreements, legal support for foreign operations, data privacy and advice (through outside counsel, when needed) on labor and employment contracts. In addition, the Director & Senior Counsel will be expected to provide analytical and balanced legal assistance and judgement quickly and on an independent basis to EDF and its affiliates. 

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and maintain legal strategies relevant to legal coverage areas.

• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable laws and regulations including global registration, contract law, global employment law, nonprofit organization law, and contract management principles, including management of systems and regulations thereto.

• Continuously review current policies, procedures and compliance activities to seek to modify and improve and collaborate to develop, draft, and implement policies and practices related to subject matter.

• Develop and continuously refine expertise in AI and Data Privacy rules and regulations.

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

• Advise on and strategize with respect to legal risk and risk management on programmatic and organizational activities and initiatives.

• Research unique legal issues impacting the organization and develop appropriate recommendations and solutions.

• Lead in the collaboration with external counsel, as needed, and manage such relationships with external counsel when working on corporate and contract related issues.

• Manage, mentor, and train colleagues in the areas of contract law, contract management, and where needed, employment law, ensuring a high quality of deliverables and advice.

• Review current legal processes, structures and procedures (including control procedures) with the organization, identifying areas of weakness and recommending scope for improvement and implementing appropriate changes.

• Support the Managing Counsel, Global Commercial and others with corporate governance matters in certain regional affiliates, including advising on the drafting of board resolutions and implementing board-directed plans and projects.

• Support and advise organization committees, including the Retirement Committee, to ensure compliance with applicable charter and laws.

• Serve as lead advisor to EDF’s various teams (Mission, Marketing, Global Enterprise, and others), which may include advice relating to the organization’s internship and fellowship workstreams.

• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of corporate experience with a law firm, governmental agency, non-profit or corporate legal department, a J.D. from an accredited law school, and active bar membership in at least one State in good standing required.

• Substantial relevant subject matter experience required in 3 or more of the following fields: contracts, labor/employment, corporate governance, AI and data privacy.

• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Proactive, detail oriented, and highly organized.

• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information while maintaining discretion.

• Exceptional problem solving, analytical, and risk management skills.

• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams spread across multiple time zones.

• Excellent written and oral communication, negotiation, presentation, relationship management, and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects concurrently, effectively manage expectations, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.  

• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex legal requirements and advice in a concise, timely, clear, contextual, and actionable way to technical and gene