Assistant General Counsel

About NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people, and has grown from a local running club into the world’s premier community running organization.  NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire through running, aiming to empower people of all ages and abilities to improve their health and well-being through the power of running and fitness.

NYRR’s year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR’s premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world’s top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City.  NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world.

Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization.  To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org.

At New York Road Runners, we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace by finding the best candidate for the job. We understand that skills come from a variety of different backgrounds. Checking off every single requirement on our job description is not necessary to apply. If you think you are a good fit and have a passion for the work we do, please submit your application. We are eager to learn about your experience and skills! You may be the right candidate for this or other open positions.

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Department

The Legal Department provides NYRR with the highest quality legal services, facilitates the operations of NYRR, and protects the organization’s interests. The central duties of the Legal Department are identifying and overseeing the legal issues and risk management affecting the organization, supporting the Executive Office and the Board of Directors, conducting legal research, preparation of contracts, litigation and litigation management, compliance, and policy creation and implementation. The Legal Department works closely with all NYRR’s departments.

About the Position

The Assistant General Counsel will play an important role in the organization and in the legal team and will be responsible for assisting the legal team in providing legal advice and expertise in a variety of areas to staff across several operational departments within the organization, including with regard to policies, practices and documents relevant to non-profit/tax exempt entities, litigation, assisting in the negotiation, and preparing and/or reviewing, of contracts and other important organizational and operational documents, and compliance with laws and regulations.  The Assistant General Counsel will assist the Chief Legal Officer, Deputy General Counsel, and Compliance Counsel with the work of the Legal Department. 

The Assistant General Counsel will support and work to protect the mission of NYRR, as it aims to improve health and well-being through running and fitness in the form of community events, flagship races, instructional and training programs, and youth programs. 

Key Job Responsibilities (primary and secondary duties):

• Provide advice on a broad range of complex issues, including those relating to non-profit, event production, development/philanthropy, privacy and data collection, customer relations, public affairs, employment, risk management, intellectual property, advertising and promotion, licensing, marketing, social media, real estate, compliance, and litigation
• Prepare, review, and approve contracts and various other documents relevant to the diverse activities and operations of the organization
• Participate in the development of organizational policies and procedures and provide continuing guidance on legal matters, including legal implications of organizational activities and actions
• Participate in the development of education and training programs to deliver content related to relevant regulations and NYRR policies
• Participate in the evaluation of emerging legal issues utilizing a solutions-oriented framework
• Conduct spot legal research, memo drafting, gap analysis, as needed
• Assist in conducting due diligence on new third parties for various departments; and
• Assist in conducting and overseeing legally privileged internal investigations
• Other responsibilities as needed

Job Requirements:

Experience:

• At least five years’ experience as a lawyer in a law firm, in-house legal department, or in government with relevant experience. 
• Experience working with New York City government agencies and/or with New York non-profit organizations preferred. 

Education & Certifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
• Admission and member in good standing of the New York State Bar
• B.A. or B.S. degree.   

Skills and Attributes:

• Knowledge of principles and practices in a variety of areas of law, including corporate law, contracts, employment, litigation, insurance, administrative, intellectual property, privacy, marketing and advertising, non-profit, and regulatory compliance
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
• Ability to analyze issues and provide advice to staff
• Ability to interpret and prepare legal documents and communications
• Strong prioritization, efficiency and organization skills needed to independently handle requests from different departments
• Sound judgment in understanding when to engage supervisor when providing support and communicating with third parties
• Ability to be proactive and to work independently, but also successfully co-exist within a small team
• Availability to work in a fast-paced environment, with occasional night and weekend work as needed
• High standard of ethics and integrity aligned with NYRR’s core values
• Demonstrated commitment and contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Knowledge of the New York City running community and run clubs
• Familiar with NYC communities across all five boroughs
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Other Requirements:

• All staff are required to work the NYC Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, and the TCS NYC Marathon.

Salary:140K

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer