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Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) seeks a collaborative leader to serve as Chief Legal Officer (CLO). The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) plays a critical role in the success of all aspects of Habitat’s work. They are responsible for overseeing all legal, compliance, risk management, and Board governance matters, supporting organizational growth and sustainability, and providing strategic guidance to advance Habitat’s mission and goals. This role requires a mission-aligned leader, who believes in the power of Jesus Christ to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Serving as a critical member of Habitat’s senior leadership team, the CLO will work closely with the Board and will collaborate regularly across functions and geographies in our highly complex environment. The CLO will manage and foster a high-performing, cross-functional team, setting the tone at the top and leading with purpose and through example.

This position will based at our headquarters office in Atlanta, GA on a hybrid basis, with 2-3 days/week in the office.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as an effective business partner to the CEO, senior team and Board of Directors, providing legal counsel with the organization’s broader work and strategy in mind.Serve as the principal legal advisor to the organization on legal, governance, risk management, and compliance matters.Serve as Corporate Secretary. Provide legal support to the Board and its committees; advise on corporate governance matters and compliance with exempt organization requirements and other laws, regulations, and policies.Oversee legal support for all complex corporate transactional matters, including support to Habitat Capital, the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, and the MicroBuild Fund.Oversee legal, risk management and compliance support to HFHI and its operations around the world. [Note: HFHI Legal does not provide legal advice or support to the entire Habitat network. We can facilitate support to non-controlled affiliates, but the role is nuanced]Draft, review, and negotiate significant contracts on behalf of the organization, including grant, sponsorship, alliance, vendor and partnership agreementsRepresent the legal interests of the organization in contact with outside parties, including attorneys and officials of other organizations, companies, and government agencies.Oversee comprehensive insurance programs for HFHI and its affiliate networkOversee the protection of the organization’s intellectual property assets.Work closely with HR leaders and managers to provide employment law advice and promote best practices for supporting and retaining a talented workforce.Provide representation to the organization, overseeing all litigation and negotiation of disputed matters in a way that protects the organization’s rights and reputation.Select and manage relationships with outside paid and pro bono counsel; optimize legal support to the organization through rationalizing in-house and outside legal resources.Cultivate and manage a high-performing team and culture focused on being effective partners and trusted advisors to internal clients; recruit, manage and develop the team of 20+ legal, governance, risk management and compliance professionals.Oversee the Legal and Governance, Risk, and Compliance functions, structuring and leading effective and efficient departments.

Pivotal Experience And Expertise

Senior In-House Legal Experience: 20+ years of broad legal experience, ideally gained through training at a top-tier law firm followed by in-house roles of increasing responsibility, preferably in both nonprofit organizations and the private sector. Expertise in legal matters relevant to exempt organizations including compliance, risk management, governance, and development preferred.International and/or Federated Organization Experience: A background working in organizations with international operations is strongly preferred, as is experience supporting organizations with federated models, and complexity more generally.Strategic Leadership: Experience serving as a strategic legal advisor to the senior leadership and board of a highly complex organization to help it meet its mission and goals. Ability to serve as an insightful thought partner and counsel to a wide range of diverse stakeholders.Team Leadership and Management: Experience clearly articulating a vision and strategy to others, identifying and aligning internal and external resources, and influencing outcomes. A highly organized and skilled team leader and mentor who builds effective cross-functional teams, and coaches and develops direct and indirect reports. Proven commitment to championing DEI in an organization and a track record of cultural agility.

Culture Impact

Mission Orientation: A leader who is passionate about Habitat’s mission to put God’s love into action and to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.Servant Leader: Leads with empathy, selflessness, and humility. Likewise, is resilient, inspires both confidence and trust, and works cooperatively to achieve common goals.Inclusive Approach: Is deeply committed to fostering a culture where Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are ever-present priorities.

Safeguarding: We require that all staff take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children), and all those with whom we work. In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all staff must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.

The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including location, internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. HFHI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that varies by country and typically includes vacation leave, sick leave, personal days, health insurance options, retirement plan contributions and life insurance. For work locations in the US, the hiring range for this position is $229,500 to $270,000.

How to Apply: Habitat’s search is being handled by David Burd and Mary Livingston of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Nominations, applications, and inquiries can be sent to: