Legal Fellow

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy whose core objective is to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We are dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. We invest in sustainable change, building it from the ground up based on research, deep thinking, and a strong foundation of evidence. We drive public conversation, craft policy, and inspire action through education and advocacy.

Position Overview

The legal team helps Arnold Ventures advance its objectives by providing solutions-oriented, high-quality legal advice and counsel. Our team of professionals provides legal advice and services to Arnold Ventures’ board, leadership, and programmatic and administrative teams. Our work touches upon a wide range of substantive legal areas, including finance, tax, corporate governance, government procurement, data privacy, lobbying disclosure requirements, campaign finance, and general contract law. On any given day, the legal team might support complex grant-making activity, structure loan and guaranty arrangements, advise on advocacy initiatives, negotiate consulting and vendor agreements, or support any other number of business activities. 

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, the Legal Fellow will serve as a legal contact for specified programmatic teams, acting as a thought partner and strategic advisor on project proposals and organizational investments. The Legal Fellow will also play a leading role in formulating and executing upon broader legal team initiatives and special projects. The successful candidate will possess significant experience with complex legal matters and an ability to take initiative, assess priorities, and manage multiple time-sensitive assignments. 

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as a legal team contact for specified programmatic teams 
• Stay up – to-date and advise specified programmatic teams on laws applicable to private foundations, public charities, and donor advised funds 
• Evaluate grant proposals for legal compliance and provide strategic feedback to specified programmatic teams in preparation for submitting grant proposals to Arnold Ventures’ Board of Directors for funding consideration
• Review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of grant agreements, consulting agreements, vendor agreements, and MOUs
• Collaborate with Arnold Ventures’ Grants, Finance, and Accounting teams to continually support and improve Arnold Ventures’ grant-making and legal processes 
• Assist in developing and presenting trainings on legal issues in collaboration with Arnold Ventures’ Assistant General Counsel
• Assist legal team with the development and maintenance of document and knowledge management procedures
• Assist with other legal department activities, and perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed
• Occasional travel expected

Fellowship Term & Location

The Legal Fellow will be benefits-eligible and will be appointed for an anticipated one-year term. This position will be either in our Washington, D.C. or Houston, Texas offices.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. with a minimum of 4 – 6 years of relevant legal experience 
• Prior law firm experience 
• Familiarity working with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) vehicle
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills 
• Strong relationship-building skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

We ask that you include a cover letter in addition to your resume when applying. The cover letter should be no more than one page, and focus on the following: 1) legal experience, 2) key examples that highlight your skills/​abilities for the role, and 3) what makes this role the right next step in your professional career. Cover letters will be used to assess communications and writing skills.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help Arnold Ventures achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of Arnold Ventures’ work culture. 

• We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity 
• We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback 
• We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects 
• We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals 

Arnold Ventures’ values reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Arnold Ventures team to make a difference. 

• Respect for Ourselves & Others 
• Audacious Action
• Collaborative Engagement
• Depth of Thought 
• Clear Communication

Arnold Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/​veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law. 

Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, Arnold Ventures is committed to employing individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. Members of historically marginalized communities and candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply.