General Counsel

About Comunilife

Founded in 1989, Comunilife’s mission is to provide vulnerable communities with housing and culturally sensitive supportive services. We believe that no one should be without the housing and supports they need to lead a healthy and meaningful life. Comunilife serves more than 4,000 low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers annually by providing affordable and supportive housing, operating the state’s only certified medical respite program, and pioneering adolescent suicide prevention programs. .

About the General Counsel

Serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the General Counsel reports directly to the CEO and oversees the Legal and Compliance Department. Advises on all legal, regulatory, and governance requirements for Comunilife and its corporate affiliates, including on issues relating to affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and construction. Assess and manages legal risks, including identifying potential legal challenges and developing strategies to mitigate or address them. This position is eligible for Comunilife's generous benefits package and paid time off.

Essential Functions and Key Accountabilities

• Oversee all legal affairs of the organization, providing expert legal advice and guidance to the board of directors, executive leadership, and staff.

• Advise the board of directors, executive team, and senior staff regarding corporate governance for the corporation and its affiliates, ensuring compliance with the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and the Internal Revenue Code.

• As point of contact for outside counsel, manage and coordinate all litigation and pre-litigation activities, including investigations, subpoenas, and document requests. Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel and insurance claims handlers on all litigated and insured matters. Maintain a detailed register of active cases and advise on settlement strategy.

• Oversee the organization’s risk management function, including renewal of liability and property insurance, claims reporting, and claims management.

• Prepare, review, and negotiate critical legal documents, including service contracts, loan agreements, government contracts, insurance policies, leases, memoranda of understanding (MOU), and letters of intent for Comunilife and its affiliates.

• In partnership with the CFO, develop and implement contract lifecycle management system and policies to enhance the contracting process's efficiency, transparency, and control.

• Supervise the organization’s compliance officer and implement the organization’s compliance program. Evaluate compliance concerns across the organization, identifying, drafting, and implementing needed policies and processes.

• Provide legal guidance regarding new and existing laws affecting New York employers, housing development, building maintenance, HIPAA, and Medicaid-funded services.

• Offer strategic advice on lobbying regulations, charitable solicitation requirements, and media-related legal considerations.

Act as a key advisor in acquisition and loan closings, overseeing the preparation of construction, purchase, sale, and related agreements critical to the development of affordable and supportive housing.

Education and Experience Requirement(s)

● Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.

● Seven (7)+ years of relevant legal experience required with a strong preference for experience in the non-profit or public sector.

● Candidate should have excellent knowledge and experience on a wide range of legal issues including employment law, housing development, and non-profit governance. Legislative experience a plus.

● Must have the ability to develop and implement legal strategy and objectives and a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines and solving problems in a collaborative manner.

● Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate exceptional judgment and discretion.

● As part of a small but growing, multi-faceted organization, creativity and resourcefulness is a must.

● Must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

● Candidate must be mission-driven and committed to work in an organization that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills a must, with a strong attention to detail.