Chief Legal and Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) (Volunteer)

Chief Legal and Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Legal Affairs, Governance and Risk Management

Location: New York City and/or Remote via Google Meet

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, education, literacy development, social-emotional learning, creative expression, storytelling, and community-centered innovation, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

MAP operates across multiple programs and platforms, including MAP Roots, MAP Connect, PromisePlay, PromisePress, Thread & Promise, and Storytelling & Media. Strong legal governance is essential to protecting youth, volunteers, staff, partners, and the integrity of our mission.

Why This Role Matters

The Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) exists to ensure that MAP’s work is lawful, ethical, accountable, and well-governed—without losing sight of humanity, equity, or care.

This role safeguards MAP’s legal standing, governance structures, and risk management practices while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board. The Legal Director ensures that growth never compromises safety, transparency, or trust.

This is a senior executive role that works closely with the Chief Executive leadership, Chief Program Officer, Chief Human Resources & Organizational Development Officer, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, and Board leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as MAP’s primary legal advisor across all programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
• Provide guidance on nonprofit governance, fiduciary duties, and Board compliance.
• Draft, review, and advise on contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure compliance with NYC, NYS, and federal nonprofit regulations.
• Advise on child safety, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, and risk mitigation policies.
• Support development and review of organizational bylaws, governance documents, and Board policies.
• Partner with HR leadership on employment, volunteer, and compliance matters.
• Advise on data privacy, technology risk, and digital governance in collaboration with the CTIO.
• Support policy advocacy initiatives with legal analysis and guidance, as appropriate.
• Identify legal risks and recommend preventative strategies and ethical safeguards.
• Coordinate with pro bono counsel or external legal partners when needed.
• Communicate legal guidance clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by strengthening governance systems and clarity over time.

How MAP Supports You

• Clear executive authority and governance scope
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and Board leadership
• Respect for time, capacity, and boundaries
• Trust-based leadership and mission-driven decision-making
• Opportunities to shape long-term governance and institutional integrity
• Professional references and letters of recommendation

What We’re Looking For

• JD and active license to practice law (NY preferred, but not required).
• Senior experience in nonprofit law, governance, compliance, or legal leadership.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, fiduciary responsibility, and risk management.
• Ability to balance legal rigor with compassion, equity, and practical guidance.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and communication skills.
• Commitment to youth protection, ethical leadership, and organizational integrity.

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience with NYC-based nonprofits or youth-serving organizations
• Background in labor/employment law, education law, or child welfare policy
• Experience supporting Boards of Directors
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)

Commitment & Boundaries

• Volunteer role, approximately 6–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6–12 month commitment preferred
• Hybrid: New York City and/or remote via Google Meet
• MAP prioritizes sustainability, clarity, and ethical care over urgency

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a brief statement of interest to

hr@mentorapromise.org

Subject line: Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel – Mentor A Promise

You may also apply directly here:

https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Lead with integrity — help ensure that Mentor A Promise’s mission is protected, accountable, and built to last.