General Counsel

We’re a nationally recognized nonprofit that partners with 8,000 schools across the country to shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach, closing the opportunity gap so that ALL students are prepared for college, career, and life. And the results? Well, they speak for themselves.

AVID provides 2.5 million students annually with the tools they need to think critically, collaborate, and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them. We accomplish this work by training over 85,000 educators every year through in-person and virtual professional learning opportunities.

WHAT IS THE JOB?

The General Counsel is responsible for the development and execution of legal and compliance functions and risk mitigation for AVID Center. This role represents the organization on all legal matters, sets or reviews policies, and provides oversight and recommendations for regulatory compliance. The General Counsel advises senior leadership, the President and CEO, and Board of Directors.

WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THIS ROLE?

• Provide legal advisory, policy, general employment, and compliance recommendations.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, requests for proposals, and agreements.
• Evaluate legal documents and contracts to limit risk and maximize benefits.
• Review and advise executives and department leaders on contract issues and agreements.
• Represent the organization in support of federal and state regulations.
• Monitor compliance and changes to regulations, promulgating updates/changes to the organization.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure any public-facing materials are compliant with laws, regulations, and AVID’s bylaws and policies.
• Implement and operate base level risk guidelines.
• Judge the merits and risks of internal investigations, allegations, disputes, and court cases involving AVID, work with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defense, suggest alternative dispute resolution where appropriate, and manage matters with outside counsel to approve settlements of disputes where warranted.
• Maintain a current knowledge of legal issues of importance to AVID through ongoing research, participation in continuing legal education and membership in appropriate bar and professional associations.
• Serve as lawyer/legal advisor on business and insurance issues / claims related to general or professional liability, workers compensation claims, and any other claim arising out of the operation of the organization.
• Create and maintain effectiveness of compliance programs.
• Provide support and counsel regarding board activity and communications.
• Provide education or training on current, proposed or pending legislation or regulations that affect operations and identify operational obstacles to compliance and implement solutions.

WHO ARE YOU?

• You are a strategist who can set direction and achieve desired outcomes while balancing risk and compliance.
• You are an advisor who confidently provides legal analysis and guidance to senior leaders.
• You are an expert across multiple legal domains including business, labor, nonprofit, intellectual property, real estate, and appellate law.
• You are a leader with integrity, respected for your professionalism, ethics, and ability to inspire trust at all levels of the organization.
• You are proactive, always one step ahead, anticipating legal issues and crafting strategic solutions to maintain compliance.
• You are detail-obsessed, ensuring compliance across every policy, contract, and public-facing material, while staying agile to adapt to regulatory changes.
• You have an advanced law degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD) and are licensed to practice law in California, with over 10 years of experience as corporate or senior counsel.
• You have a solid foundation in regulatory compliance, employment law, and labor relations, ready to lead internal investigations, drive dispute resolutions, and oversee robust compliance programs.

NICE TO HAVES?

• Nonprofit law experience

Qualifications

Education

Preferred: Doctorate or better in Law.

Experience

Preferred: 10 years of experience as corporate or senior counsel.