Associate General Counsel, Global Employment. New York. Posting Date: 01/22/2026. Deadline: 02/11/2026
Role Title: Associate General Counsel, Global Employment
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Senior Legal Counsel, Global Employment
Program/Department/Unit Name: Office of General Counsel
Location: New York or Washington D.C
Team Name: Operations and Transactions
Role Purpose
The role of Associate General Counsel sits within the Global Operations division. Global Operations provides support to global operations functions with specialist expertise in employment law and related matters, and acts as an advisory partner for corresponding business units.
Key responsibilities
- Act as a strategic partner to enable effective planning to maximize impact and realize strategy within regulatory framework and organization-wide policies/standards/processes including understanding the global workforce and labour relations, and the strategy and work of People & Culture and identifying, and anticipating where possible, legal needs.
- Advise People & Culture and the organization on day-to-day labour and employment matters in respect of the global workforce including in relation to multi-jurisdiction re-organizations, reviewing and updating local, regional and global employment-related policies and templates, changes to terms and conditions, legal issues affecting employee benefit plans, and individual cases including senior hires and complex exits.
- Advise on the development and implementation of local, regional and global organizational policies and large-scale projects such as equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives that require coordinated inputs from multiple specialist attorneys and stakeholders.
- Working as part of a team managing the relationship with our US union, including the management of bargaining and other related matters.
- Advise on US benefit matters, including ERISA compliance, governance, and benefit plan design.
- Engage and instruct external counsel when needed and co-ordinate advice as appropriate to ensure it is fit for the organization.
- Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
- Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
None
Key internal relationships
People and Culture, Associate Directors, Global Operations
Key external relationships
External Counsel, Labor Groups (CWA)The ideal candidate
- Law degree or equivalent from an accredited university (law school) and admission to practice law in the Open Society global office location in which you would be based
- A minimum post-qualification experience of 5 years at a law firm and/or in-house. It is essential that this includes experience with US employment law and labor relations, and of managing a relationship with a US union in an international context
- Experience and record of accomplishments with drafting and negotiating in matters requiring keen attention to detail with excellent follow-through
- Experience engaging and instructing external counsel when needed and co-ordinating advice as appropriate to ensure it is fit for the organization
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) legal and strategic advice with stakeholders who are not lawyers including in a virtual environment
- A practical, business-oriented approach to problem-solving, tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk
- Demonstrated ability to apply creative thinking, strong judgment and analytical skills, combined with a record of integrity, professional discretion and the ability to work under pressure, prioritize and handle sensitive/confidential matters
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships, with experience managing inter and intra organizational relationships in complex organizational environments
- Experience working for an international organization and/or the non-profit field a plus
What we offer
- Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
- Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
- Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
- Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
- Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
- Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
- A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
The salary range for this role in the US is $203, 100- $235 ,000(USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.