Director, Corporate Counsel - Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona : Job Details

Looking for an in-house counsel role with a dynamic, fun, and esteemed Legal Department? Come join Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, where our mission is “Ending poverty through the power of work!” As part of our team, you will represent our organization in a variety of legal matters in Arizona, Maryland, and California, providing expert legal advice and strategy. Grow with us and be part of a team that supports our retail thrift operations, workforce development programs, educational initiatives, and so much more!

Come collaborate with a forward-thinking legal and business team shaping the future of our operations. This is your chance to join a high-impact department with visibility across Goodwill's operations, contributing directly to legal innovation and compliance excellence.

Position Description:

Supports the EVP, CAO and CLO all legal issues and ensures protection of its legal issues and regulatory rights and interests for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) and its affiliated entities and boards. In alignment with business goals and needs, provides legal expertise and counsel to the executive team, and makes recommendations to all departments, as needed. Provides counsel in the areas of risk management, corporate governance, employment, contracts, real estate, transactions, workplace safety, security, asset protection, and compliance. Responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents, and presenting clear recommendations. Assists EVP, CAO and CLO, Corporate Counsel, Paralegal(s) and other Team Members in management of all claims and litigation. Participates regularly on cross-functional project teams, and leads such teams as directed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides counsel and guidance on legal matters and anticipates potential legal implications.
• Prepares and/or reviews and assists with negotiation of organization-wide business contracts, leases, and consulting agreements, and administers other legal matters relating to real estate acquisition, development, and financing of transactions and projects, as needed.
• Works cross-functionally to identify and mitigate potential exposure and areas of liability or vulnerability, including investigating and resolving internal and external claims.
• Manages relationships with outside counsel, including budgets and fees.
• Acts as support and liaison to various GCNA Boards of Directors (e.g., fiduciary, foundation, and school boards).
• Monitors and consults on corporate compliance matters, including mandatory outside reporting, audits, and reviews.
• Advises on legal/compliance aspects of the organization's financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities.
• Given high-profile nature of this role, acts as GCNA ambassador through professional organizations, community events, and board involvement.
• Ensures appropriate professional relationships with regulatory agencies and government entities.
• Participates actively in community-focused Mission events.
• Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs.
• Assists the EVP, CAO and CLO as a legal consultant on major business issues and transactions, including risk management, contracts, employment, corporate governance, real estate matters, safety, workers' compensation and asset protection.
• Represents GCNA in litigation and legal and quasi-judicial proceedings. Acts as agent of organization in various transactions.
• Leads initiatives to improve and strengthen the legal department through systems improvements and the preparation, implementation and refinement of forms, processes and procedures.
• Stays abreast of and interprets requirements of government agencies, laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and court decisions, and ensures communication of these requirements to the rest of the organization.
• Provides legal expertise and counsel to all levels of the organization, as needed.
• Participates on GCNA Leadership Team.
• Models Goodwill Core Values – Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation.
• Responsible for performance management (coaching, discipline, performance improvement plans, and annual reviews), staffing, compensation, and development of Team Members.
• Plays a critical role in driving company culture change efforts and change management processes.
• Maintains regular and consistent in-person attendance.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills):

• Must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with strong academic credentials and in good and active standing to practice in Arizona. Licensure in California and/or Maryland a plus.
• Must have at least 6+ years of legal experience as a practicing lawyer in a corporate environment and/or with a major law firm with strong litigation and/or transactional background. Prior in-house experience preferred.
• Superior written, verbal and analytical skills, with an ability to communicate complex issues to senior management in a simple way and to orchestrate plans to resolve issues and mitigate risks.
• Must have extensive knowledge of business management and best practices, and a clear and comprehensive understanding of legal matters such as finance, real estate, corporate governance, employment law, contracts, and compliance.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills, with demonstrated persuasiveness and persistence in reinforcing what is best in alignment with the goals of the organization. Ability to develop critical internal and external relationships.
• Detail-oriented, organized, efficient, and resourceful with strong follow-through skills.
• Hands-on, team-oriented, and highly-responsive approach with flexibility and positive attitude.
• Excellent contract drafting and management skills.
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to quickly and accurately assess legal risks.
• Ability to think quickly, prioritize and manage multiple high-profile projects in a demanding environment, while maintaining a calm, professional and level-headed demeanor, particularly in an emergency or crisis.
• Ability to work long hours and occasional weekends and work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to speak and read English proficiently.
• Strong integrity and commitment to ethics.
• Valid drivers' license and clean MVR.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position.