General Counsel

The Nature Conservancy seeks its next General Counsel, based in the Arlington, VA headquarters.

ABOUT THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC or the Conservancy) has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, it creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there are many reasons to love life at TNC. The Conservancy’s goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to TNC’s mission are valued. Learn more at:  https://www.nature.org/en-us/

ROLE SUMMARY

The General Counsel (GC) leads the Global Legal Team and Enterprise Risk Teams, consisting of approximately 139 people and 10 direct reports. They are a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and will have a significant role in helping shape organizational priorities. The GC ensures the organization adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements, offers counsel on legal issues, facilitates business development and serves as a trusted advisor to the ELT.  The GC will serve as liaison to select committees of TNC’s board of directors. This position reports directly to the CEO. Key responsibilities include: Executive Leadership; Risk Management; Safety Management; Building a Positive and Engaging Culture; Creating and Nurturing External Partnerships; and Organization and Process Improvement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent and licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Fifteen (15) years of experience working as in-house counsel with a large global organization and/or global law firm.
• Accomplished executive with a proven track record as a legal strategist and a proven background in working at the senior levels with private and public sector entities.
• Willingness and ability to develop familiarity with legal systems in and outside of the U.S. and the ability to adapt TNC’s policies and procedures in compliance with local law.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing, leading and motivating in-house legal or law firm teams of at least 10 members.
• Experience overseeing or advising on ethics and compliance matters.
• Experience evaluating and/or negotiating complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Experience communicating complex legal concepts to clients and senior leaders.
• Experience managing outside counsel and evaluating budgets and overseeing litigation.
• Experience advising or overseeing internal audit teams.
• Experience advising or overseeing physical security and safety.
• Good working knowledge of relevant conservation issues and commitment to Conservancy goals and methods.

The Nature Conservancy has retained the services of the Diversified Search Group to assist in this search.  Please submit a cover note outlining qualifications as they related to the role and a resume, in confidence, to TNC_GC@divsearch.com

The Nature Conservancy is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.