Associate Counsel

Location:
Arlington, VA;

Work Days in Office:
Hybrid - 4 days in-person at Arlington office, 1 day option to telework

Travel:
Up to 10%

Position Type:
Full-time

FLSA Status
: Exempt

About Spirit of America:

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside US troops and diplomats and providing private assistance to defend freedom, and strengthen America's national security, and save and improve lives.

Spirit of America leverages an unprecedented partnership with the US military based on a groundbreaking agreement with the Department of Defense. Our agreement with the Department of Defense allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide us with logistical support. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Thus, every dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the US government and military. That leverage — combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital capability — provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.

Our work saves and improves lives, prevents conflict, and strengthens America's security. In the world's toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.

About the Role:

Spirit of America seeks an Associate Counsel to provide comprehensive legal and compliance support across our international operations and organizational functions, supporting the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. This role is ideal for an early-career attorney with at least three years of experience who is eager to gain hands-on experience in trade compliance, international operations, nonprofit governance, contracts, and risk management. Spirit of America works on the ground and with partners in many jurisdictions that require significant due diligence to comply with US and local laws and regulations. This is a new position, and you would be one of two attorneys on staff at a rapidly growing organization, gaining experience across all areas of law that affect Spirit of America's operations. We work closely with the US Department of Defense, Department of State, and other branches of the US government with international operations. Spirit of America is a privately funded organization that does not receive funds from the government. An Associate Counsel is a hybrid position expected to work onsite, four days a week in the office, with the option to telework one day per week.

Reports To: Chief Legal & Compliance Officer

Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Counsel will:

Responsibilities:

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, MOUs, NDAs, and other legal documents
• Support compliance reporting, including state corporate registrations, export control documentation, FARA and OFAC compliance, third-party risk assessments and vetting, among other topics
• Conduct legal research and brief on regulatory, governance, and operational matters
• Help maintain and update internal policies and procedures in alignment with legal and ethical standards
• Participate in internal audits, investigations, and risk assessments
• Track legal and compliance due-outs and assist in maintaining the Chief Legal Officer's task tracker
• Coordinate with external counsel and regulatory bodies as needed under the supervision of the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
• Manage our internal digital legal platform (LawVu). Legal AI tools, and internal SharePoint sites

Key Qualifications:

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal environment (firm, in-house, or government)
• Member in good standing of a US state bar
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High ethical standards and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Experience with contracts, nonprofit law, compliance frameworks,
• Familiarity with employment law, marketing law, IP law, investment and endowment structures, or international operations is a plus
• Experience working in international settings or diverse jurisdictions
• Experience working with legal AI tools

Preferred:

• Experience (legal or not) in public service, international development, military service, Peace Corps, or private sector
• Experience with contract lifecycle management tools or legal operations platforms (e.g. LawVu)
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong interest or experience with in-house counsel support of cross-functional teams
• Keen interest in national security and foreign policy

Compensation Range:

Salary ranges from $145,000 to $170,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and 403(b) contribution match to 4%.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable laws.