Deputy Director, Legal (Global Policy & Advocacy and Communications)

What You’ll Do  

• Understand and support the objectives of fast-paced and demanding internal client groups, develop creative solutions, and resolve issues using the appropriate legal framework and in consideration of the foundation's values and risk philosophy. 

• Act as a legal liaison and primary point of contact for several Communications and Global Policy and Advocacy teams, proactively identifying legal challenges and crafting business-oriented solutions. 

• Advise on high-impact issues including global government engagement, public relations, lobbying, electioneering, digital media, rights clearance, privacy, and reputational risk. 

• Demonstrate generalist expertise to identify legal issues and collaborate, where appropriate, with other legal team members or foundation stakeholders to lead the resolution of complex and strategic legal issues in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and foundation policy and process. 

• Establish a relationship of trust with key partners and participate as a strategic advisor with regular touchpoints for communication. 

• Facilitate compliance with and ensure current knowledge regarding applicable domestic and foreign legal and regulatory requirements in countries where the foundation maintains a legal presence or is otherwise active. 

• Collaborate with the Legal Leadership Team and broader legal team to ensure effective coverage, work allocation and communication regarding legal issues related to the foundation, all from a “one team” perspective. 

• Shape governance frameworks and corporate policies, including developing internal controls, managing conflict of interest issues, and advising regarding delegation of authority, ethics, and board relations. 

• Oversee legal structuring and negotiations of high-stakes transactions and partnerships, including advocacy grants, campaigns, media agreements, and intellectual property matters, with particular strength and experience working with commercial vendors and contract negotiations. 

• Lead education and training for foundation leadership and staff on key legal and compliance matters, ensuring knowledge transfer and consistent application of legal principles. 

• Stay abreast of legal developments and provide thought leadership on evolving laws affecting private foundations, advocacy, digital communication, and nonprofit governance. 

• Engage in a moderate amount of travel, primarily internationally, particularly to locations where the foundation has an office or presence. 

Your Experience  

• Juris Doctor degree and current bar membership in good standing are required. A minimum of 10 years of experience in the practice of law; law firm experience preferred. 

• Deep expertise in legal frameworks governing U.S. tax-exempt organizations, political advocacy, communications law, and nonprofit governance. 

• Proven ability to operate at a senior level with strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and judgment in ambiguous or high-risk environments. 

• History of effectively serving a demanding client base in a complex and fast-paced work environment. 

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills, including the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear guidance for non-legal audiences. 

• Experience leading legal responses to regulatory or reputational crises. 

• Skilled at navigating diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration across functions and cultures. 

• Commitment to the foundation’s mission and values, with a deep understanding of the intersection between law, policy, equity, and philanthropy. 

• Strong business sense and client focus. 

• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy both individually and collaboratively as part of a team effort. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, maturity, sound judgment, and ability to communicate in a clear and compelling manner with internal and external audiences. 

• Self-motivated and with a strong sense of ownership and urgency. 

• Passion for the mission of the foundation. 

• Highest standards of ethics and integrity. 

• Sense of balance, humor, and perspective. 

*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship. 

The salary range for this role is $261,700.00 - $405,700.00 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $285,300.00 - $442,100.00 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.