Full-Time General Counsel
Job Description
General Counsel
Achievement First seeks applicants for its next General Counsel.
Achievement First (AF) was founded 25 years ago based on the belief that every child— regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to excellent schools. With a network of 41 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, AF serves as an educational beacon, guiding nearly 15,000 students toward their full potential. The organization prides itself on serving a diverse student population, with a majority of scholars identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and from low-income backgrounds. At AF, students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from high school, succeed in college, thrive in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in their communities.
The next General Counsel should be driven by a commitment to meeting and serving AF’s mission and scholars in executing this pivotal leadership role. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role will aid in steering the organization through the complex legal landscape of non-profit management, charter school operations, and educational issues. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted strategic partner and advisor to the CEO and will assess risk on a continuous basis.
Successful candidates will hold a JD or equivalent and be licensed to practice law in New York. Additionally, candidates who have at least fifteen years of relevant legal experience. Ideally, candidates will be well poised to serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, believe in the mission and educational model of AF, and possess expertise in a broad range of legal disciplines, particularly education law, charter law, contract law, employment law, and public records law, among others. Furthermore, candidates should bring a solutions-oriented mindset, superb communication skills, and a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.
Achievement First has retained Diversified Search to assist in this search process. For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications (CV/résumé and a letter of interest) to:
Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Esq., Global Chief Legal Officer and Managing Director
Sonya Olds Som, Esq., Global Managing Partner, Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice Group
Anne Koellhoffer, Managing Associate
Diversified Search
AF**@di*******.com
Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that deeply values diversity. Achievement First provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Achievement First complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization is located. Achievement First expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
How to Apply
Achievement First has retained Diversified Search to assist in this search process. For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications (CV/résumé and a letter of interest) to: Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Esq., Global Chief Legal Officer and Managing Director Sonya Olds Som, Esq., Global Managing Partner, Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice Group Anne Koellhoffer, Managing Associate Diversified Search AFGC@divsearch.com63 total views, 0 today