The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the primary legal counsel for the agency. The General Counsel will provide strategic and proactive legal guidance, manage and oversee litigation as needed, and advise on a broad range of legal matters including constitutional, contract, corporate, real property, tax, benefits, and ecclesiastical law. This position reports directly to the General Secretary and plays a key role in supporting the mission and governance of The United Methodist Church.
Essential Functions:
Oversees all functions of GCFA’s legal department, including its respective roles regarding GCFA contract approval, corporate governance and conflict of interest policies, financial controls, entity risk management policies and procedures, insurance, department budget, tax and tax-exemption matters, benefit plans, and staffing of the legal department and appropriate utilization of external legal counsel.
Ensures all GCFA legal policies and procedures meet the applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Provides updates to the General Secretary (Chief Executive Officer of GCFA) and the executive team regarding laws that may have an effect on the agency or the denomination.
Ensures agency compliance with existing regulatory and contractual obligations, as well as federal and state legal requirements.
Acts as the senior legal advisor to the General Secretary and the GCFA Board of Directors, attending all GCFA board meetings, as requested, with voice but without vote.
Attends committee meetings upon request. Advises the Committee on Legal Responsibilities and Corporate Governance (CLRCG) on all significant activities and assists in the formulation of recommendations to the Board.
Communicates frequently, accurately, and effectively with staff, Board Members, and clients on a wide variety of issues and matters.
As legally and ethically permissible, and within budgetary constraints, serves as a resource for other United Methodist organizations; however, the General Counsel does not act as legal representation for any entity other than GCFA.
Ensures the appropriate use of the official United Methodist insignia and preserves the integrity of its design. Additionally, ensures the appropriate and legal use and registration of “United Methodist” on behalf of the denomination.
Serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the United Methodist Church Conference Chancellors Association; coordinates with and supports the Chancellors Association with meetings, education and training.
Provides legal guidance to GCFA in its role as Program Administrator of the General Agencies Welfare Benefits Program.
Responsible for being pro-active in safeguarding and protecting the rights of the denomination, which includes, but is not limited to, governance matters, contract management, financial controls, conflict management, and enterprise risk management.
Responsible for the development and management of other legal team members and the legal department budget.
Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.
Minimum 8-10 years post law school experience is required.
Must be qualified to practice law in Tennessee, by either examination, reciprocity, or registration as an in-house counsel.
Previous experience in a supervisory position is required.
Previous non-profit experience is strongly desired.
Experience providing general corporate, litigation, or operational legal advice to business organizations is required.
Strategic thinker with focus on practical client advice and the ability to advise on legal risks within a business context.
Able to work independently and collaboratively, using discretion and sound judgment.
Ability to quickly analyze information and provide legal recommendations.
Must be willing to uphold the doctrinal and ethical standards of The United Methodist Church as set forth in the Doctrinal Standards in The Book of Discipline and Social Principles.
Additional Considerations:
Must be willing to travel, including domestically, as well as occasional international travel.
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
Generous paid vacation and sick / personal leave!
Excellent health, welfare, and retirement benefits package!
GCFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
