Term Compliance Counsel (six-month position)

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) seeks a passionate and creative Compliance Counsel to join our team to temporarily assist CREW’s General Counsel in all legal matters pertaining to the organization and the legal department. This six-month position is a unique opportunity to be on the front lines of the fight for a more ethical, equitable and accountable government, while working alongside smart, creative and kind people.

As a leading nonpartisan nonprofit government watchdog, CREW is dedicated to defending our democratic institutions, rooting out government corruption and fighting the influence of money in politics through legal action, policy innovation and communications grounded by in-depth research. CREW is looking for a results-driven team member who is committed to our mission and cares deeply about protecting our democracy. We welcome diverse skills and experiences.

Responsibilities:

The Compliance Counsel will play a key role in assisting CREW’s General Counsel in all legal matters pertaining to the organization and the legal department. This person will report to CREW’s General Counsel.

• Provide guidance and legal expertise to help ensure compliance with a variety of legal regimes, including IRS rules governing section 501(c)(3) organizations, media law, employment and labor law, federal and state lobbying laws, contract law and intellectual property.
• Assist with prepublication review of investigations, reports, social media posts, press releases and other CREW products.
• Support the General Counsel and the Operations department on labor and employment matters.
• Review and interpret contracts, insurance policies, grants and other agreements.
• Help prepare for and respond to potential legal actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• J.D. (required).
• A minimum of 5-10 years relevant legal experience.
• Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas: tax-exempt organization law, employment and labor law and media/defamation law.
• Significant personnel and project management experience.
• An interest in ethics, money in politics and/or government transparency issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
• The ability to work collaboratively.
• Outstanding research and analytical skills.
• Great writing and communication skills.
• The ability to work with discretion on confidential and sensitive matters.
• Initiative to identify needs, take charge of tasks, and get things done in an exciting, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work effectively with outside counsel.
• The position is based in Washington, D.C. but will be hybrid with employees splitting their time between working at home and working in the office.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$150,000 (on an annual basis) based on experience and qualifications. We are open to a contract arrangement or hiring a temporary staff member with access to our full benefits program.

CREW offers a compensation and benefits program that creates a supportive, respectful, sustainable environment that allows our employees to show up as their authentic selves and perform at their best. We’re in this work for the long-haul, and that means investing in our most important asset: our staff. We are always working to improve our benefits program, currently they include:

• Generous paid time off
• Platinum medical insurance (100% of premium covered for employees; 55% of premium covered for dependents)
• Dental and vision insurance (99.9% of premium covered for employees and 55% of premium covered for dependents)
• Option to enroll in FSA and dependent care FSA accounts with a $2,500 employer contribution to dependent care FSAs
• Option to enroll in commuter benefits
• Flexible, hybrid work environment
• Fully vested 401k with 3% employer contribution starting on day one
• Paid holiday closures between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, as well as major national holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Summer Fridays all year long
• Free in-office lunches weekly (and snacks daily!)
• Free virtual yoga classes

How to apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to jobs@citizensforethics.org. Please include your last name and Term Compliance Counsel in the subject line. No phone calls, please. We are only able to respond to candidates we are contacting for an interview.

CREW is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in our workplace and in our work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status or genetic information. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.