Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) (Volunteer)
Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) (Volunteer) Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP) Division: Legal Affairs, Governance & Risk Management Location: New York City and/or Remote via Google Meet Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, education, literacy development, social-emotional learning, creative expression, storytelling, and community-centered innovation, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive. MAP operates across multiple programs and platforms, including MAP Roots, MAP Connect, PromisePlay, PromisePress, Thread & Promise, and Storytelling & Media. Strong legal governance is essential to protecting youth, volunteers, staff, partners, and the integrity of our mission. Why This Role Matters The Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel (Legal Director) exists to ensure that MAP’s work is lawful, ethical, accountable, and well-governed—without losing sight of humanity, equity, or care. This role safeguards MAP’s legal standing, governance structures, and risk management practices while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board. The Legal Director ensures that growth never compromises safety, transparency, or trust. This is a senior executive role that works closely with the Chief Executive leadership, Chief Program Officer, Chief Human Resources & Organizational Development Officer, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, and Board leadership. What You’ll Do
- Serve as MAP’s primary legal advisor across all programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
- Provide guidance on nonprofit governance, fiduciary duties, and Board compliance.
- Draft, review, and advise on contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, and vendor agreements.
- Ensure compliance with NYC, NYS, and federal nonprofit regulations.
- Advise on child safety, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, and risk mitigation policies.
- Support development and review of organizational bylaws, governance documents, and Board policies.
- Partner with HR leadership on employment, volunteer, and compliance matters.
- Advise on data privacy, technology risk, and digital governance in collaboration with the CTIO.
- Support policy advocacy initiatives with legal analysis and guidance, as appropriate.
- Identify legal risks and recommend preventative strategies and ethical safeguards.
- Coordinate with pro bono counsel or external legal partners when needed.
- Communicate legal guidance clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
- Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.
- Take responsibility for performance improvement by strengthening governance systems and clarity over time.
How MAP Supports You
- Clear executive authority and governance scope
- Direct collaboration with executive leadership and Board leadership
- Respect for time, capacity, and boundaries
- Trust-based leadership and mission-driven decision-making
- Opportunities to shape long-term governance and institutional integrity
- Professional references and letters of recommendation
What We’re Looking For
- JD and active license to practice law (NY preferred, but not required).
- Senior experience in nonprofit law, governance, compliance, or legal leadership.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, fiduciary responsibility, and risk management.
- Ability to balance legal rigor with compassion, equity, and practical guidance.
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and communication skills.
- Commitment to youth protection, ethical leadership, and organizational integrity.
Bonus (Not Required)
- Experience with NYC-based nonprofits or youth-serving organizations
- Background in labor/employment law, education law, or child welfare policy
- Experience supporting Boards of Directors
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)
Commitment & Boundaries
- Volunteer role, approximately 6–10 hours per week
- Minimum 6–12 month commitment preferred
- Hybrid: New York City and/or remote via Google Meet
- MAP prioritizes sustainability, clarity, and ethical care over urgency
Application Process Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a brief statement of interest to [email protected] Subject line: Chief Legal & Governance Officer / General Counsel – Mentor A Promise You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8 Lead with integrity — help ensure that Mentor A Promise’s mission is protected, accountable, and built to last. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job