General Counsel

Job Title: General Counsel

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Type: 12 months (Full-time or Part-time; flexible for candidate)

Location: Washington, DC (hybrid; see work model)

About Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School:

CRIPCS is the nation's first adult charter school, serving as a national model for delivering high-quality education, career training, and supportive services that enable adult immigrants to realize their dreams while strengthening our community and economy. When you join the team at CRIPCS, you become part of a unique, mission-oriented organization that is actively advancing innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges faced by adult learners and English language learners today. We maintain an unwavering focus on equity of opportunity for those we exist to serve. We lean into our commitment to continuous improvement through innovation and excellence. This documented and celebrated commitment to high-quality work has earned us recognition and partnerships with national and regional stakeholders, including employers, funders, government agencies, and educational institutions who share our vision for adult education. Our award-winning three-pronged educational model demonstrates the transformative impact possible when combining foundational courses, career certification programs, and comprehensive student support services. Guided by our values of Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, Compassion, Inclusivity, and Collaboration, we are advancing our strategic priorities to strengthen academic excellence and foster student success; deepen organizational health; and ensure organizational resilience and strategic agility.

Position Summary:

Carlos Rosario is seeking a seasoned and relationship-oriented General Counsel (GC) to serve as the school’s chief legal advisor and a key member of the senior leadership team. The General Counsel provides practical, strategic advice across a wide range of legal, governance, and compliance matters while partnering closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior leaders. The GC oversees all legal affairs, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and provides guidance on employment and labor issues, contracts, and risk management.

In partnership with the CEO and Board, the GC also monitors and interprets policy developments in the District of Columbia that impact CRIPCS and its students, including adult education, immigration, and charter regulation, and helps to strengthen relationships with DC government agencies and policymakers.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, strategic, and human-centered legal leader who thrives in collaborative environments. They combine strong legal expertise with sound judgment, cultural humility, and a relational approach, offering counsel that is both legally rigorous and grounded in CRIPCS’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and community.

This position can be structured as full-time or part-time (minimum 30 hours/week) depending on the selected candidate’s background and capacity. Candidates must be based in or near Washington, DC, with a hybrid schedule (three days per week on-site) to foster accessibility and trust with staff and students.

Responsibilities:

Governance & Board Support (25%)

• Serve as chief legal advisor to the Board of Trustees and CEO on corporate governance, compliance, and nonprofit law.
• Partner with the Director of Executive Administration to plan and support Board and committee meetings, ensuring effective preparation, documentation, and follow-up.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Governance & Nominating and Executive Committees, providing counsel on bylaws, policies, and board recruitment.
• Maintain all organizational governance documents and ensure compliance with charter and regulatory requirements.

Employment Law, Employee Relations & Culture (20%)

• Advise on employment law, workplace policies, investigations, and employee relations matters, partnering closely with Human Resources.
• Provide sound counsel on employee relations, particularly in a shifting charter school landscape.
• Offer strategic input on culture, climate, and inclusion-related matters, ensuring alignment with CRIPCS’s equity-centered values.

Compliance, Risk Management & Contracts (20%)

• Ensure compliance with CRIPCS’s charter agreement and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with contract negotiation and review, including vendor, real estate, technology, and service agreements.
• Identify and mitigate organizational risks; manage outside counsel when specialized expertise is needed.
• Review and assess internal contract procurement and insurance activities to ensure institutional accountability.

Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs (15%)

• Monitor and interpret DC and federal policy developments impacting adult education, immigration, and charter operations.
• Forecast federal and local policy developments, assessing their implications for CRIPCS’s operations, workforce, and mission, and proactively advise leadership to inform strategic planning.
• Partner with the CEO and CAO to engage with DC agencies (e.g., DC Council, OSSE, DC PCSB) and represent CRIPCS’s interests.
• Draft or review policy briefs, public comments, and testimony as appropriate.
• Assist in fostering relationships with peer organizations and external partners to advance CRIPCS’s mission and amplify its impact.

Strategic Partnership & Advisory (10%)

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Translate complex legal concepts into accessible, actionable guidance for non-attorneys.
• Provide sound judgment, discretion, and clear communication across all areas of the organization.

Leadership & Values Alignment (10%)

• Model CRIPCS’s values and contribute to a positive, collaborative organizational culture.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Mentor and support staff in understanding legal and ethical considerations in their work.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the DC Bar or eligibility for admission upon hire.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including in-house or advisory roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in employment law, governance, compliance, and contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate legal information for non-lawyers.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and CRIPCS’s mission serving immigrant and multilingual communities.

Preferred:

• Experience in a nonprofit, education, or charter school environment.
• Familiarity with DC’s regulatory ecosystem (DC Council, OSSE, DC PCSB, etc.).
• Understanding of immigration law and employment sponsorship processes.
• Spanish language (or other language) proficiency or demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multilingual environment.

Our Commitment to the General Counsel:

• Competitive salary range of $200,000–$225,000, commensurate with experience.
• Flexible structure: full-time or part-time (minimum 30 hours/week), with benefits eligibility at 30+ hours/week.
• Hybrid work schedule, with an expectation of three days on-site per week aligned with campus operations.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement match (up to 6% of base salary).
• 46 total days of time off annually (combination of vacation, holidays, sick, and personal time).
• Deep investment in professional development, including leadership coaching, continuing legal education (CLE), and sector conferences.

How to Apply:

Carlos Rosario is partnering with She Rose Solutions to find the next General Counsel. Please use this link to submit your application and direct all questions to liz@sherosesolutions.com. She Rose Solutions will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.

• Competitive salary range of $200,000–$225,000, commensurate with experience.
• Flexible structure: full-time or part-time (minimum 30 hours/week), with benefits eligibility at 30+ hours/week.
• Hybrid work schedule, with an expectation of three days on-site per week aligned with campus operations.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement match (up to 6% of base salary).
• 46 total days of time off annually (combination of vacation, holidays, sick, and personal time).
• Deep investment in professional development, including leadership coaching, continuing legal education (CLE), and sector conferences.