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Associate Counsel at Central Synagogue

Central Synagogue

Full-Time

Mid Level

$150.000

27 Apr → 27 May

Expired

Job Description

Our Vision:

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 2,800 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools. It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades.

Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls. The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.

The Synagogue is well-resourced, has over 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/.

Job Summary/Objective:

Central Synagogue is seeking an Associate Counsel to join the leadership team. Primary areas of responsibility include providing legal counsel in the areas of employment law, contractual law, insurance law, intellectual property law, and nonprofit governance.

Reports to:

Executive Director

Department Hours:

Reduced-time (32 hours per week), exempt and not eligible for OT.

Date:

January 2023

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

  • Partner with Central's leadership team, outside counsel, and the Board of Directors on all legal matters affecting the organization including governance, regulatory compliance, fundraising, human resources and risk management.
  • Manage the contract review and approval process for a wide variety of matters including facilities, programs and events both internal and external, technology, security, and human resources. Draft and negotiate a wide variety of transactions, work with outside counsel to develop templates as is necessary.
  • Work with the Chief Financial Officer on the procurement and management of insurance policies and renewals to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Partner with the Senior Cantor, Director and Assistant Director of Music, and Director of Production on the organization's intellectual property portfolio, including trademark, copyright and patent registrations and renewals.
  • Advise Human Resources professionals in employment-related personnel matters including review of all human resource documents including the Employee Handbook, new policy rollouts and implementation, and training programs.
  • Partner with colleagues including Human Resources and supervisors to build efficient processes to maintain compliance with employment laws and regulations.
  • Work along with Executive Director on management of outside counsel and oversight of Legal and Risk Committee.
  • Work with outside counsel to advise on applicable laws and regulations, including in the areas of religious and tax-exempt organizations, employment, intellectual property, fundraising, human resources, data security and privacy. Keep current on changes to applicable laws and communicate changes and potential impact.
  • May perform other duties including handling a variety of discrete transactional matters as assigned.

Core Competencies:

  • Strong problem solver who is principled in their decision making, leverages relationships and can see the big picture
  • A team player who builds collaborative relationships across various stakeholders
  • Demonstrated thought leadership and influence management skills
  • Excellent communication skills including verbal and written
  • Keen instinct around risk management, able to identify and minimize risk across the synagogue
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, able to manage and prioritize a large portfolio of diverse matters
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative, anticipate needs and adapt to situations as they arise
  • Solid work ethic, driven to reach and exceed goals
  • High degree of integrity, professionalism and reliability
  • Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Microsoft word, excel, outlook, PowerPoint are a must. Preferred knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft Teams a strong plus

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor degree and the ability to practice in New York
  • 4+ years of experience in-house, law firm, or at a non-profit
  • Familiarity with nonprofits strongly desired
  • Broad knowledge of federal and state applicable laws and regulations

Other Duties:

Please note, the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The expected salary range for this position is up to $150K. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The salary is commensurate with experience based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

Additional Information:

Central Synagogue requires all staff members (full-time AND part-time) to (a) provide proof of vaccination and booster against COVID-19 or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation. If you are offered employment this requirement must be met by your hire date unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved.

Hybrid Schedule:

One day remote on either Monday or Friday and three days in the office.

Application Process:

  • To apply, please submit a resume, along with a cover letter and three references to [email protected].
  • Please reference “Associate Counsel” in the subject line of your email. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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