Job Description

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

Salary: $195,000 to $235,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as an integral member of the Executive Team, the General Counsel is the organization’s chief legal advisor, responsible for overseeing its legal affairs, including its in‑house corporate affairs, policy initiatives, and real estate projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Advise on matters of corporate governance, finance, contracts, real estate transactions and projects, and employment.
• Design, implement, and manage agency‑wide risk management systems to support URI’s legal, financial, programmatic, strategic, and operational integrity.
• Counsel senior management and other staff on legal issues relating to programs, including legislative and regulatory issues affecting the organization’s delivery of services.
• Share responsibility for developing real estate acquisition and management strategy.
• Develop new and revise existing policies and procedures.
• Monitor and manage litigation, including responding to subpoenas, overseeing violations, and working with outside counsel.
• Interface with Board on matters requiring approval and on changes to New York State laws governing nonprofits.
• Monitor and assist with implementation of new City and State legislation and regulations applicable to the organization’s programs, facilities, and employees.
• Supervise professional and administrative staff.
• Present proposals and reports in both written and oral form to upper management and to Board.
• Develop and manage strategic and work plans.
• Prepare and deliver training and presentations.
• Prepare budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Law degree from accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Knowledge of New York City real estate development.
• A minimum of seven years’ legal experience as a licensed attorney.
• Five to ten years’ experience in a general counsel or comparable role, preferably in government or non‑profit.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to or experience with domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, trauma, particularly in communities of color and among LGBTQ and other disenfranchised populations.
• Strong legal, analytical, administrative, and written and oral communication skills.
• Robust organization and process management skills.
• Ability to work with business and government representatives.
• Solid legal and real estate network through professional associations, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience collaborating in a fast‑paced environment with a multi‑disciplinary, diverse team.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage staff and budget.
• Basic computer proficiency.

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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