Staff Attorney

Company Description

Are you a high-performer who wants to contribute to a mission-driven and values-based organization? If you are motivated by doing impactful work and making a difference in people’s lives, then the Indiana University Foundation (IUF) is the place for you. At the IUF, we believe in making the dream of higher education attainable, providing support for life-changing research, and preparing the next generation of leaders.  

As a trailblazer among our peers, we provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across all of Indiana University’s campuses. As part of our team, you will help make IU donors' dreams last forever.  

At the IUF we work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry. 

In addition to being part of a meaningful mission as an IUF employee, you’ll find there are many ways to connect and collaborate.  Our FUNdation (see what we did there?) Committee helps us connect and unwind with food truck lunches, holiday gatherings, costume contests, free snacks, IU spirit-wear Fridays, and spontaneous gestures that surprise and delight. Our Wellness Committee ensures that the health and well-being of our employees is top of mind through outstanding benefits, mental health offerings, and activities. We encourage community leadership and service and make space for our staff to pursue their passions. Our total rewards philosophy ensures that we support employees financially, emotionally, and in their career growth.  

If the IUF sounds like a fit for you, we invite you to join us today. 

Job Description

The Indiana University Foundation (IUF) is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our Office of the General Counsel. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-career attorney seeking a dynamic in-house role as a trusted advisor supporting one of the nation's leading university foundations.

Whether you're an attorney with several years of experience or a recent graduate with meaningful and relevant internship, clerkship, or legal externship experience, this role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced in-house counsel on matters that directly support higher education, philanthropy, nonprofit operations, and public-serving initiatives.

At IUF, you'll gain broad exposure to legal issues and you’ll partner with the general counsel and organizational leaders while advising on:

• Contracts and commercial agreements
• Nonprofit and charitable organization matters
• Risk management and compliance
• University-related initiatives and partnerships
• Policy development and governance
• Operational and business legal issues

This role provides hands-on experience across a diverse legal portfolio while offering mentorship from seasoned in-house counsel in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

What You'll Do:

As a Staff Attorney, you'll work with the General Counsel's Office to:

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and legal agreements
• Conduct legal research and provide practical recommendations on organizational matters
• Advise internal stakeholders on contracts, events, operations, policies, and risk management considerations
• Assist with policy review, development, and implementation
• Support strategic initiatives that cross legal, business, and operational functions
• Serve as a legal resource to Foundation staff and university partners
• Contribute to special projects that advance the mission of the organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Indiana or eligible to sit for the Indiana Bar
• Ideally 3–5 years of legal experience in a law firm, government agency, corporate legal department, or nonprofit setting
• Strong legal research, writing, communication, and negotiation skills
• Interest in nonprofit organizations, higher education, government, contracts, compliance, or business operations
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-lawyers
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

New Attorneys Encouraged to Apply:

While 3–5 years of experience are preferred, we also welcome applications from recent law school graduates who bring meaningful and relevant internship, clerkship, externship, or clinical experience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong academic achievement, exceptional analytical and writing skills, a genuine interest in nonprofit, public-sector, or mission-driven work, and a desire to build a long-term career as in-house counsel.

Additional Informa