Associate General Counsel (Nonprofit Tax, Affiliates, and Membership)

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

All members of AARP’s OGC advise business units and affiliated entities to serve the goals and mission of the organization in a manner that is compliant, ethical, solution-oriented and timely; consult and collaborate with management to develop strategic plans and ensure organizational activities meet legal and regulatory compliance; and work collaboratively to accomplish organization goals and execute on organization mission.

The Associate General Counsel (Nonprofit Tax, Affiliates, and Membership) provides expert legal guidance to support AARP’s social welfare mission and the missions of its charitable affiliates. This candidate must be able to understand how relevant program work facilitates delivering on those missions.   This role requires an understanding of nonprofit governance and a deep understanding of the laws and regulations applicable to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, including tax, grants, contracts, marketing, and fundraising. The candidate will also advise on legal matters involving engagement with commercial and governmental entities. A strong background in membership marketing or the ability to quickly develop expertise in this area is essential. The ideal candidate will have the ability to apply legal guidance to unique circumstances, with a strong grasp of the evolving digital landscape. Success in this role requires collaboration with legal colleagues and assertive clients to develop solutions that meet organizational needs while mitigating legal risks.

• Delivers effective oral and written communication. Assists in developing policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Ensures legal and regulatory compliance and counsels business units and affiliated entities to serve the goals and mission of the organization in a manner that is compliant, ethical, and timely.
• Provides legal analysis and guidance regarding business initiatives (e.g., identifying legal risks and mitigation steps, determining enterprise-wide implications). Structures legal obligations in contracts to protect the interests of the organization.
• Negotiates and drafts agreements with providers, vendors, and other third parties.
• Works collaboratively with lines of business, the organization, and providers to align business goals with stakeholders' interests.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, and provides legal research, analysis, and guidance.
• Provides legal guidance around general legal guidance, consumer and third-party data privacy issues, privacy governance, data privacy issues, membership issues, procurement issues, development and operation of social welfare products, real estate matters, trademark, copyright, and various intellectual property rights.
• Negotiates and advises on contracts, new business models, legal risks, and other organizational-related transactions.

• JD is required, and 10+ years of experience.
• Proven experience in providing legal guidance related to social welfare missions and membership matters.
• Must demonstrate a solid understanding and appreciation of AARP’s social welfare mission and how program components contribute to achieving that mission.
• In-depth knowledge of regulations and laws applicable to nonprofit organizations, including those governing interactions with commercial and governmental entities, such as tax law, contract law, and marketing law.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility when collaborating with business units on innovative approaches to advance AARP’s mission.
• Extensive knowledge of the legal aspects of membership marketing, with the capacity to tailor legal guidance to AARP’s specific context and a strong grasp of the evolving digital landscape.
• Fortitude to work collaboratively with legal colleagues and assertive clients, finding solutions that meet their needs while safeguarding the organization from legal risks.
• Must be admitted to practice, an active member, and in good standing with a state Bar, with the ability to function as an in-house attorney in the District of Columbia.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements 

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.