General Counsel – Chief Legal Officer

CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange

General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer providing legal leadership for a nonprofit dedicated to intercultural exchange. Advising on governance, risk management, compliance, and legal affairs internationally.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive legal expertise in nonprofit governance, corporate law, and risk management, with a strong focus on compliance and data privacy in both domestic and international contexts. Proven ability to lead legal teams and provide strategic legal advice to executive leadership and boards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)Nonprofit GovernanceCorporate LawRisk ManagementData Privacy

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal AdvisoryLitigation ManagementContract NegotiationRegulatory ComplianceInternational OperationsCybersecurity LawCorporate GovernanceDispute ResolutionCompliance ProgramsEmerging Regulatory Issues

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringStrategic ThinkingCommunicationEthical Business Practices

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Membership in U.S. State Bar

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationInternational EducationNonprofit OrganizationsGlobal OperationsCross-Border RiskCorporate PoliciesInternational PartnershipsGovernance FrameworksGeopolitical RisksDigital Innovation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the chief legal advisor to the President and CEO and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to CIEE executive leadership and organizational stakeholders.
Advise on legal matters affecting domestic and international operations, including nonprofit governance, employment, regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, international activities, and risk management.
Provide legal support for strategic initiatives, partnerships, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and new business opportunities.
Oversee litigation, claims management, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.
Manage the legal department budget and relationships with external legal counsel to ensure cost-effective delivery of legal services.
Monitor and anticipate emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting higher education, international education, nonprofit organizations, international exchange programs, data privacy, and global operations.
As Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, support board operations, including meeting planning and attendance, oversight of governance records and structures, policies, and official corporate actions as well as related committee work.
Advise leadership and the board on best practices in corporate governance, nonprofit compliance, conflicts of interest administration, related-party transactions, corporate policies and procedures, and nonprofit fiduciary obligations.
Ensure governance practices remain aligned with organizational needs and evolving nonprofit laws and standards.
Provide legal oversight and guidance related to CIEE's international centers, foreign entities, partnerships, and activities.
Provide legal strategy and compliance for CIEE’s global operations, including study abroad, exchange, and educational programs.
Navigate complex international legal frameworks, including regulatory, immigration, tax, data privacy, employment, and contractual matters.
Monitor and mitigate cross-border risk while enabling program growth and innovation.
Lead and oversee enterprise compliance programs and support enterprise risk management initiatives and strategies.
Oversee conflict-of-interest administration and related governance compliance processes.
Promote ethical business practices and a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
Ensure compliance with all relevant U.S. and international laws and regulations.
Support internal investigations and compliance reviews as appropriate.
Assist leadership in navigating geopolitical, regulatory, and operational risks associated with global programming.
Advise on cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, technology governance, and related regulatory developments.
Support the development of policies and governance frameworks addressing emerging technologies and digital innovation.
Partner with technology and operational leaders to identify and manage technology-related risks.
Oversee drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, partnerships, and strategic agreements.
Advise on corporate transactions, joint ventures, and international partnerships.
Build, lead, and mentor an effective legal team (internal and external counsel).

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active membership in at least one U.S. state bar in good standing.
Minimum 15+ years of progressive legal experience, including senior leadership roles with significant experience advising boards and executive leadership.
Demonstrated expertise in non-profit governance and compliance, corporate law, risk management, data privacy, cyber-security, and emerging regulatory issues.
Extensive experience with international operations, programs, or global regulatory environments.
Ability to maintain a valid passport and clear background check in connection with international visa requirements.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid time off and Parental leave
Gym Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program
Short-term & Long-term Disability
6 floating Fridays (based on our eligibility rules)
CIEE Study Abroad Program discounts
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
Insurance Coverage (life, travel, medical, dental, and vision)
Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts (medical and dependent)
Voluntary Benefits (identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness)