Sierra Club

Director of Compliance

Sierra Club

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: Washington • United States

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Salary

💰 $180,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Monitor and advise on compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofit organizations, including charitable solicitation, tax exemption, employment, privacy, and lobbying.
  • Draft, review, and revise contracts, grant agreements, and related organizational policies.
  • Conduct compliance audits and risk assessments; recommend and oversee corrective actions as necessary.
  • Maintain the organization’s tax-exempt status by collaborating to ensure timely IRS filings and compliance with IRS rules and regulations.
  • Make funding determinations for 501(c) activities based on IRS regulations and internal Sierra Club and fiscal sponsorship requirements.
  • Act as point of contact for inquiries from the FEC, state agencies, regulatory bodies, and external counsel; manage responses to audits, investigations, and enforcement actions.
  • Collaborate with the compliance team to provide guidance on advocacy, advertising, issue campaigns, and independent expenditures, including proper disclaimers, reporting, and compliance with federal, state, and local rules.
  • Draft and review PAC governance documents, contribution solicitations, political communications, and related contracts and agreements.
  • Oversee all legal and compliance matters associated with PAC registration, administration, contributions, expenditures, and reporting at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Review all required reports for the Federal Election Commission (FEC), LDA, IRS, and relevant state agencies, ensuring thorough and timely disclosure of PAC receipts, disbursements, and activities.
  • Develop Sierra Club chapter political compliance support processes.
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and enforcement developments related to campaign finance, election law, lobbying, and ethics and take action as needed.
  • Develop and enforce written policies and procedures for program compliance rules in accordance with: IRS code, FEC regulations, State Election agencies, internal Sierra Club policies, The Sierra Club Foundation policies, industry practices, and donor intent. Written policies and procedures include operational and financial guidelines, processes, and controls; maintains required documentation; and establishes and produces management reports.
  • Oversee the program compliance training function, including the development, preparation, and distribution of compliance materials to board, staff, and volunteers on relevant legal and compliance topics.
  • Provide guidance to board members, senior management, and staff regarding corporate governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and ethical conduct.
  • Stay current with trends and changes in nonprofit law and regulations; proactively communicate potential impacts.
  • Liaise with external counsel and regulatory agencies as needed.
  • Ensure external regulatory and policy changes are tracked. Acts as the principal liaison with outside counsel to prepare materials that interpret regulatory and policy changes and informs Sierra Club senior staff of impacts to existing or contemplated programs. Works closely with Senior Staff to create new programs to meet changing regulations. Monitors and enforces organization-wide adherence to all program compliance guidelines.
  • Hire, train, and manage Compliance staff. Review staff work and provide feedback, coaching, and support; complete annual performance evaluations and goal setting.
  • Perform miscellaneous duties as requested or assigned.

Requirements

  • JD degree from an accredited law school; active and valid law license.
  • Minimum of 3+ years’ relevant legal and/or regulatory compliance experience working with a 501(c) organization or similar in-house (including non-profit or exempt organization) experience.
  • Deep knowledge of nonprofit law, organizational compliance, and risk management.
  • Strong knowledge of IRS regulations and tax laws regarding 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) funds administration and generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Demonstrated experience in contract review, policy development, and regulatory filings.
  • Ability to translate complex legal issues into practical guidance for staff and leadership.
  • Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in preparing training and instructional materials and in delivering training programs.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent attention to detail.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of the nonprofit sector.
  • Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
  • Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
Benefits
  • medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • retirement savings 401(k) plan
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
compliance auditsrisk assessmentscontract reviewpolicy developmentregulatory filingsnonprofit lawIRS regulationstax laws501(c)(3) administration501(c)(4) administration
Soft Skills
strong verbal communicationstrong written communicationattention to detailtraining and instructional material preparationability to translate complex legal issuescommitment to nonprofit missionopenness and humilityconstructive approachcan-do attitudeauthentic kindness
Certifications
JD degreeactive law license