General Counsel

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy & Governance

• Advise the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team on legal rights, obligations, and risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting nonprofit organizations, workforce programs, educational partnerships, and corporate structure.
• Organizational structure

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts and MOUs with funders, school districts, landlords, vendors, and partner organizations.
• Ensure clear terms and enforceable agreements that align with MusicBreeds' mission and protect its interests.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain compliance with 501(c)(3) nonprofit regulations, employment law, grant requirements (including WIOA and NYS/DCJS contracts), and real estate obligations.
• Oversee annual reporting and ensure adherence to procurement, lobbying, and transparency guidelines.

Risk Management

• Identify potential legal exposure areas and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support the organization in resolving disputes, managing legal claims, or navigating government investigations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active member in good standing with the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience practicing law, preferably with a focus on nonprofit, education, or public sector work.
• Demonstrated experience advising organizations on governance, compliance, and contract law.
• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) operations, grant-funded programs, and employment law.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and risk management skills.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and equity-centered approach of MusicBreeds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with youth services, education law, or juvenile justice systems.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, and data privacy in an edtech or SaaS context.
• Experience managing outside counsel and/or working in a startup or scaling nonprofit environment.