EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
As a leased employee of B.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry, the Senior Counsel will support and lead on behalf of The Center by Lendistry (TCbL), all day-to-day legal aspects of the organization, including without limitation, critical elements of contract review and negotiations, federal, state and local compliance of grant/contract activities, fund structuring and fund management, and investment evaluation process, lobbying compliance, and nonprofit organizational governance. Central to the position is an entrepreneurial mindset, resourcefulness, and the ability to contribute passion and creative ideas to support underserved entrepreneurs while pursuing positive social and inclusive growth outcomes. Some travel may be required.
ABOUT THE CENTER BY LENDISTRY & LENDISTRY
The Center by Lendistry (TCbL) is a nonprofit organization partner with B.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry (“Lendistry”) that aims to impact small businesses in underserved/underbanked communities by providing necessary business resources for success. The Center provides aid through education, funding, business consulting and additional opportunities to support small businesses. Our hands-on approach ensures that these businesses obtain the most essential elements to succeed within their industry or business model.
Lendistry is the country’s largest minority-led and technology-enabled small business and commercial real estate lender with Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certification. We are a national employer whose mission is to provide economic opportunities and progressive growth for small business owners and their underserved communities as a source of financing and financial education.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with The Center team and Lendistry teams supporting TCbL (e.g., Programs, Finance, Legal, Credit, Marketing, Servicing, Analytics, and Engineering) to determine and advise on the Center’s legal needs.
- The ideal candidate should be comfortable with all aspects of nonprofit legal management as well as with providing concise written and oral summaries of legal findings to stakeholders across the organization, including senior management.
- Advise on, negotiate, and draft a heavy commercial and governmental contracts transaction flow for the organization with both efficiency and clarity.
- Assist in conducting due diligence on potential contractual and investment opportunities by providing thorough legal research and analysis.
- Participate in and advise the organization on board and management governance activities and other legal aspects related to maintaining the organization’s nonprofit status.
- Draft legal memoranda, correspondence, policy documents and other legal related written materials for the organization.
- Conduct timely legal research on novel issues of law that arise in the course of operating a nonprofit small business advocacy and support organization.
- Advise and counsel on intellectual property matters related to licensing, trademarks and trade secrets.
- Perform market research and competitive analysis.
- Assist The Center in enhancing its brand recognition within nonprofit and entrepreneurial communities.
- Assist in other legal and administrative matters requested by The Center management, as necessary.
PROFICIENCIES
- 5+ years of experience working in-house or within a high-volume corporate practice within a law firm highly desired.
- Prior experience working in a nonprofit organization or within a law firm that regularly advises nonprofit organizations preferred.
- Government contracts and/or programmatic experience highly desired.
- Grant application preparation and grant administration experience preferred.
- Experience working in an autonomous and fast-paced environment with a track record of managing competing priorities and consistently meeting deadlines.
- Experience delivering excellent work product and reporting.
- Consistent track record of attention to detail, ability to grasp new concepts quickly and taking ownership of your work.
- Strong critical-thinking ability and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Collaborative thinker who works well in teams and is also an independent, self-starter.
- Strong commitment to social impact and inclusive growth, committed to driving change and impact through business and innovation.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college/university required.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university preferred.
- Member of California state bar.
- 5+ years of relevant experience, with at least 2-3 years preferably in a non-profit setting.
- Experience in entrepreneurial environments and the flexibility to work in both highly structured corporate settings and less structured start-up environments.
- Experience in contract development and/or project management in a corporate environment.
SALARY
- $72.30 – $88.00/hourly, depending on experience and location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)