Legal Counsel

ABOUT SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is a regional catalyst, connector, and collaborator. We bring together the resources and skills of donors, business, government, and community to solve some of our region’s toughest challenges. We promote philanthropy in our region and support philanthropists to invest with impact. Through advocacy, research, policy and grantmaking, we seek systemic solutions to drive enduring community change. Learn more at svcf.org.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a full-time, exempt-level position in Mountain View, California.

This is a remote position; however, SVCF team members must be able to regularly attend in-person staff meetings, board meetings, trainings and other gatherings in Silicon Valley when required.   

JOB SUMMARY

This position will report to the Vice President, Legal Affairs, and will provide legal support to a variety of complex topics that help further SVCF’s strategic goals.  This will include providing legal support to internal stakeholders on contracts, grants, complex gifts (e.g., real estate, public and private stocks, business interests, virtual currencies) and investments.  This role will also act as staff to the board, supporting committee and board activities, such as meetings and trainings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in drafting and negotiating a wide variety of agreements and contracts related to SVCF’s philanthropic work and operational/administrative functions.


• Remain current and analyze a broad range of complex laws in areas that impact community foundations and SVCF-specific policies and practices.


• Provide legal counsel on reporting obligations and issues that arise involving tax-exempt organizations.


• Resolve a wide range of complex legal questions from staff and/or grantees, as well as handling compliance, structural and contractual issues related to grantmaking (examples could include conducting due diligence, drafting grant agreements and negotiating terms of grant agreements).


• Identify and mitigate tax and other legal risks; provide support in other legal matters or foundation policies and issues as appropriate.


• Review corporate governance documents and submit required corporate, intellectual property, lobbying and charitable filings.


• Provide training, education and consultation to SVCF staff on legal requirements pertaining to SVCF grantmaking to ensure compliance with applicable laws and best practices, both from the perspective of a community foundation and donor-advised fund (DAF) sponsor.


• Assist with managing outside counsel, vendors and consultants as appropriate.


• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Law degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of tax, corporate, transactional and/or nonprofit legal experience.


• Active California Bar admission in good standing or the ability to immediately register as Registered In-House Counsel with the California Bar.


• Professional and personal alignment with Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s mission and values.


• An understanding of a wide variety of legal topics including, nonprofits, contracts, lobbying/advocacy, estate planning, tax and/or board governance.


• Experience representing or working with various types of tax-exempt organizations preferred.


• Exceptional research, writing and analytical skills; excellent oral communication skills; proven ability to clearly communicate complex legal issues to a wide variety of stakeholders, including the ability to collect, review, synthesize and present information and findings.


• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines within designated timeframes, as well as demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities for oneself and a team.


• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.


• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with diverse people and in diverse groups.


• Open to learning new frameworks and thinking critically about improving existing methods or approaches.


• Strong software skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce.


• Ability to thrive in a rapidly shifting and evolving workplace.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

SVCF is committed to offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The target hiring range for this position is $175,000 to $185,000 per year based on experience, credentials and internal salary equity.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous medical, dental, and vision plans; paid time off; holidays and employer contribution and matching to a 403(b) retirement plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent in this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.  We are committed to building a team that is representative of our community. 

SVCF is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

SVCF is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions, of employment, please contact [email protected].  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format and/or using specialized equipment.