Director of Legal

The Fund for Science and Technology is a new private foundation that is part of the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem.

Founded in 2022 and launched in 2025, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. The foundation works to advance bioscience, accelerate solutions for the environment, and leverage the power of AI for the benefit of Earth and humanity, supporting work in the lab and across the ecosystem of scientific research, collaboration, and innovation.

Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of science and maximize the benefits it offers the world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Legal reports to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer and is responsible for providing legal guidance on the Fund for Science and Technology (FFST) legal strategy, as well as overseeing a broad range of legal, transactional, policy, operational, and programmatic matters that affect FFST's ability to achieve their mission. They will oversee legal affairs, including risk management, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, employment, and litigation. Key responsibilities include collaborating with program teams, managing outside counsel, and ensuring legal and ethical operations alignment. The Director of Legal will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of the law, and the ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to non-legal professionals within the organization. Foundation and/or experience working with tax-exempt organizations is required for this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert strategic legal advice on organizational operations and initiatives, contracts, labor and employment, intellectual property, and potential litigation.
• Oversee the enterprise risk management and compliance frameworks, protecting FFST's legal and reputational interests.

• Ensure adherence to tax-exempt organization regulations, IRS private foundation rules, attorney general registration and filing requirements, grantmaking compliance requirements, global access policies, data privacy, and other relevant legal frameworks, including all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Draft, review, and negotiate grants, contracts, and other transactional documents, focusing on clarity, consistency, and compliance.

• Serve as a trusted partner to FFST leadership and program teams, providing guidance, coordinating legal resources, and responsive project support for legal-related activities and systems.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel to handle specialized legal issues, ensuring cost-effective and mission-aligned legal support.
• Assist in developing and implementing program policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Oversee and manage legal disputes, including litigation and arbitration.
• Work closely with various departments to integrate legal considerations into business decisions and collaborate with outside counsel when necessary.
• Advise on AI-related data use, research collaborations, intellectual property, and ethics in alignment with FFST's scientific and technology mission.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws, regulations, and best practices, and proactively update FFST policies to ensure continued compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Experience, Skill, and/or Ability Required

• Experience working with/for a Foundation and/or tax-exempt organization(s) required.
• Significant experience in legal practice, ideally in areas relevant to the focus areas of FFST, supporting science, research or technology-focused organizations.
• Proven ability to collaborate and provide strategic directions to staff across the organization.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex issues, identifying legal risks, and developing creative solutions.
• Working understanding of finance, accounting, risk management, and tax considerations relevant to private foundations.
• Experience advising board and senior executives on governance and compliance matters.
• Reasoning abilities commensurate with a mid to senior partner-level attorney or senior/deputy internal counsel in each legal practice area for which the position is responsible.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Strong social and personal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a team while executing hands-on work when needed.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Relationship building and influence
• Integrity and accountability
• Commitment to FFST's mission and values

Management Responsibilities:

Directly manages one or more employees. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and conducting regular one-on-one meetings with each direct report.

Required Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• MS Project

Education/Experience/Certifications

• J.D. from an accredited institution and 10 plus years of progressively responsible legal experience, including experience advising nonprofit or philanthropic organizations.
• Admission to practice law in Washington State required and in good standing; admission in other jurisdictions a plus.
• Experience managing legal functions within a foundation, research institution or similar complex organization preferred.

Travel Expectations

• Some travel expected

Special remarks regarding the work environment

FFST as an organization is Monday through Thursday in the office, and Fridays are remote days each week. The hybrid work environment is an organizational decision that benefits employees, may differ from job to job, and is subject to change as needed.