American Humane Society (AHS) is seeking a Staff Counsel to provide mid-level attorney support across all programs and departments. This position will be hybrid based at the DC office and reports directly to the General Counsel.

For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society (AHS) has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards – we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection.

Working at AHS means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animals’ lives. American Humane Society is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Position summary:
Under guidance of the General Counsel, the Staff Counsel provides mid-level attorney level support across all programs and departments. The Staff Counsel contributes to the overall efforts of furthering American Humane Society’s mission by working collaboratively with staff at all levels of the organization to support work and initiatives that advance the priorities and objectives of the organization.

Responsibilities:
Program and Operational Support

• Provide a broad range of day-to-day legal support and counsel to staff regarding program and non-profit operations, including animal welfare certification programs, philanthropic services, information technology, data privacy, events planning, communications and appeals, insurance, human resources, litigation and administrative proceedings, corporate governance and general operations.
• In consultation with General Counsel, conduct deep dive analysis into each program to learn the operations, assess risk, and update/revise processes and documents as needed.

Contract Drafting and Administration

• Draft and revise contracts from templates (e.g., certification program agreements, independent contractor agreements, sponsorship agreements, non-disclosure agreements).
• Review and negotiate contract terms in consultation with program and operations staff.
• Provide pre-contract preparation support and assist staff in understanding terms and compliance.
• In collaboration with the legal team, utilize the contract approval process and management system to effectively document all contractual obligations and organizational assets, and to maintain up to date records of contract status and pending deadlines.

Board of Directors

• Perform general corporate governance matters such as preparation of charters, policies, notices, agendas, and resolutions.
• Assist with preparation of materials for Board meetings.

Other

• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by General Counsel.
• Support tracking and oversight of the organization’s trademark portfolio in coordination with outside counsel.
• Assist with tracking and understanding domestic and foreign legislation that impacts the organization’s operations and mission.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited university and be a member of good standing in a bar of at least one state.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience. Prefer experience in the areas of non-profit law, public interest law, governance, philanthropy, intellectual property and/or contract drafting and negotiations.
• Important qualifications include high work standards, high level of attention to detail and organization, the ability to set and balance priorities, strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills, initiative, a high level of responsibility, flexibility, mature judgment, a collaborative work style, the discretion to handle confidential information, and a professional demeanor.
• Skilled in the use of network computer systems, and related programs, including solid understanding of Microsoft Office, in particular Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Direct reports:
None

Physical demands and work environment:

• Position will be a hybrid of office/telework with the position based out of the Washington, DC national headquarters office location and regular telework schedule based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion.
• Must be comfortable with animals, in particular dogs, in the office and at events.
• Minimal travel is required.

• Some evening/weekend hours may be required occasionally.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:
  • Look at and work on a computer screen for extended periods of time,
  • Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, virtually and in person

American Humane Society’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane Society’s core values:

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.

• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.

• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.

• Loyalty to Mission – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.

• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.

• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane Society (AHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace where our work makes a real difference in animals' lives.

Job Details:

• Title: Staff Counsel
• Type: Exempt, Full Time
• Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC
• Compensation: $110,000-$140,000