Grace helping Hands-Legal Board Member

Grace Helping Hands (GHH) is seeking a Board Member with a Legal Background to provide strategic legal and governance guidance, strengthen compliance practices, and help ensure the organization operates with integrity, clarity, and accountability.

In this role, the Board Member will support GHH’s mission to provide hygiene and feminine products to individuals, particularly women experiencing homelessness, offering dignity and care regardless of financial or living circumstances.

About Us Grace Helping Hands is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity and supporting stability for women and children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Through the distribution of hygiene and self-care kits, we serve communities across Maryland in partnership with local shelters and organizations.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary board position requiring approximately 4–6 hours per month.

Strategic Governance Focus

• Establish and support policies that guide GHH’s organizational goals and legal and compliance practices.
• Help shape major initiatives and assess associated legal risks, opportunities, and obligations.
• Monitor GHH’s legal and regulatory standing to ensure the organization continues advancing its mission responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Attend Board meetings, review materials in advance, and contribute to discussions and decisions.
• Serve on at least one committee or lead a defined project each year.
• Respond promptly to Board communications and complete assigned action items on time.
• Review and recommend updates to governance policies, bylaws, codes of ethics, contracts, and related legal documents.
• Advise the Board on compliance with applicable laws, nonprofit regulations, conflict-of-interest policies, and governance best practices.
• Act in the organization's best interest, not personal or outside interests; disclosing conflicts of interest.
• Support fundraising efforts by making a personal contribution, cultivating donor relationships, and participating in Board-led fundraising activities.
• Serve as an ambassador by promoting GHH’s mission, strengthening community relationships, and representing the organization with professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and current or prior admission to a state bar.
• Minimum of five years of professional legal experience; nonprofit, corporate, or regulatory practice preferred.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and compliance, ideally supported by prior board service.
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and discretion when handling highly confidential information.
• Local to the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia area preferred.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a brief statement of interest and resume/CV to info@gracehelpinghands.org.

Candidates will be invited to meet with the Governance/Nominating representatives and attend a Board meeting as an observer prior to formal appointment.