Chief Legal Officer | NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY LOCATION FLEXIBLE – Candidate should be based in a metropolitan area with access to a major airport.
Several puzzle pieces have fallen into place that are bringing us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society advances health equity by dispelling misconceptions about who gets MS, engaging underrepresented groups, providing MS information in culturally accessible and plain language (including in Spanish), developing and expanding MS specialty care, and more, thereby accelerating diagnosis and the start of disease modifying therapy. The Society’s activist network grew significantly this year with more than 5,000 new voices joining its efforts and helping make significant headway in influencing legislation at the state and federal levels. The MS Ambassador program is engaging volunteers who leverage their connections to educate, motivate, and inspire more people to join the movement. Other programs like “New to Pediatric MS” broaden the National MS Society’s reach to connect with audiences to provide the support, communities, and resources they need.
The National MS Society’s current strategic and implementation plans reflect extensive organizational assessment and strategies to ensure the organization’s ongoing evolution and impact. Success in curing MS and empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives is dependent upon revenue growth and embracing the core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in everything the Society does. The organization must focus on strategies and milestones that build the pipeline of new donors and enhance engagement with existing fundraisers, and each person who wants to do something about MS should feel a sense of belonging in their National MS Society.
Amid this environment of organizational excellence, scientific and social progress, and forward-looking investment, the National MS Society seeks candidates for the newly created position of Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the CLO is responsible for the leadership and management of all National MS Society legal strategy as well as the enterprise-wide risk management program to ensure effective delivery of all components of the Society’s mission. The CLO will be a high-level advisor and thought partner to the President & Chief Executive Officer, a strategic business partner who enables and contributes to the overall growth and success of the Society. The Society is seeking a leader who is capable of combining their strategic and visionary capabilities with their operational and tactical capabilities. This leader oversees the Legal and Risk Management team presently comprising four staff with regular support from interns, which is complemented as needed by outsourced legal counsel.
The CLO will join the Society during a key period of organizational evolution to enhance impact and efficiency. During the past year, the entirety of the Legal and Risk Management program and Society governance underwent review and overhaul to ensure nonprofit legal compliance and implement the necessary structures for future success. The CLO will enjoy the benefit of supportive senior organizational leadership already invested in ongoing change within the Society and of partnering with a National Board of Directors entirely aligned on the need for ongoing enhancement of the Legal and Risk Management program and key elements thereof. Key near term priorities for the CLO include but are not limited to improving efficiency and operationalizing legal systems and processes as well as creatively assisting in the development of opportunities for revenue generation, including fundraising and new business ventures. The Society currently employs 700+ staff members across all 50 states, engages more than 30,000 volunteers annually, and produces hundreds of events both large and small representing significant opportunities to fuel impact while mitigating risk.
While the National MS Society will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience:
Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the National MS Society.
Licensed to practice law and a member in good standing in each state in which licensed.
Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible, generalist legal experience. Broad legal background, preferably in a chief legal officer or general counsel capacity. A history of successful partnership with a chief executive and board of directors.
Nonprofit-Specific Legal Expertise
Tax-exempt status – deep understanding of laws governing 501(c)(3) status, including compliance with IRS regulation and reporting requirements.
Corporate governance – knowledge of nonprofit governance best practices, bylaws, board responsibilities, and fiduciary duties.
Employment law – expertise in employment practices for nonprofits, including handling staff and volunteers.
State-specific law – familiarity with regulations affecting nonprofit registration, reporting and compliance across states.
Transactions
Extensive experience in transactions, including drafting and negotiating contracts for partnerships, grants, sponsorships, leases, and vendor agreements.
Intellectual Property
Experience overseeing the creation, maintenance, and enforcement of an organization’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Risk Management
Ability to assess and mitigate risks related to legal exposure, cybersecurity, compliance, and public relations.
Ability to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including advocacy.
Litigation & Crisis Management
Ability to handle disputes, litigation, and crisis situations, such as lawsuits, whistleblower complaints, and investigations.
Experience navigating ethical dilemmas and ensuring the organization’s integrity.
Financial Acumen
Understanding of nonprofit financial statements, budgeting, and audit requirements.
Familiarity with planned giving, restricted funding, grant reporting, and endowment management.
Strategic Thinking & Leadership
Ability to creatively and innovatively align legal strategies with organizational strategy, mission, and goals.
Experience building and leading legal teams, setting strategy, and performance management.
Provide guidance on HIPPA and informed consent, among other areas.
Provide guidance and support on legal advocacy opportunities (typically regarding joining amici briefs on policy-related issues)
Demonstrated commitment to the Society’s core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) and culturally competent with respect to issues such as racial, cultural, religious, sexual, and gender identity.
Leadership profile that incorporates sound judgment and common sense, a healthy tolerance for risk, and the creativity and collaborative spirit to identify the path forward.
High ethical and compliance standards, along with a commitment to prioritizing organizational success over individual considerations.
Stakeholder Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills to advise executives, board members, and staff on legal matters in a clear and actionable manner.
Ability to build relationships with a wide range of Society stakeholders, including external counsel and regulators as well as in collaborating across departments.
Experience working with and developing strong working relationships with members of boards and board committees.
Familiarity with using Microsoft Office programs and online meeting tools.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the country for all National Board of Directors meetings and on an occasional basis as needed.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility The National MS Society mission is we will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. This means having access to:
High-quality healthcare
Culturally relevant information
Connections and support
Our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) are key to fulfilling this mission.
Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Commitment Statement We amplify the voices of all people affected by MS and celebrate our differences in the drive to end MS. We affirm the space for everyone to express their perspectives, fueling our vision with innovative ideas and insights. We commit to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within our workforce and across the MS movement.
Why IDEA Matters at the National MS Society Healthcare quality and availability varies widely in the United States. Many systemically disadvantaged groups cannot access the care they need. As a national health organization, speaking out and taking action about this is not just a choice. It is our responsibility.
The National MS Society has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:
Sonya Olds Som, Esq. Global Managing Partner – Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice Group Sonya.Som@divsearch.com | 312-237-5787
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr. Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement, DSG Global The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174 gcattie@divsearch.com | 212.542.2587
