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 Now Apply Now