Counsel

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Counsel is a key member of the Legal Department responsible for providing legal support and guidance across the organization, with a primary focus on contract execution, employment law support, compliance, and Human Resources partnership. This role is execution-focused and supports the implementation of legal strategies and priorities set by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. The Counsel does not independently set legal strategy but plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, timely legal services across departments.

This role operates under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel and supports the Legal Department in managing day-to-day legal needs while helping scale the function to meet increasing organizational demands, including those related to unionization.

This is a full-time position that operates in a hybrid capacity. The role must be based within a commutable distance of one of the Institute’s locations: New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; or Boulder, CO. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required at key points throughout the year. Occasional travel to other Institute offices and events may also be required.

Top priorities include, but are not limited to...

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of agreements, including vendor, sponsorship, employment, licensing, and program-related contracts.
• Managing high-volume contract workflows, ensuring timely turnaround and alignment with established legal standards and templates.
• Maintaining and improving contract management processes and systems (e.g., DocuSign, contract lifecycle tools).
• Escalating complex, high-risk, or non-standard matters to the Deputy General Counsel.
• Providing legal support to Human Resources on employment-related matters, including; workplace policies and handbook updates, employee relations issues, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Supporting HR in conducting internal investigations (e.g., employee complaints, EEOC-related matters), including, advising on investigation approach and documentation, reviewing findings for legal risk, and ensuring consistency and defensibility in outcomes.
• Partnering with HR to review and update policies and practices to ensure compliance with evolving legal requirements and organizational priorities.
• Supporting the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel in matters related to unionization and collective bargaining, including; conducting legal research related to NLRA and CBA obligations, assisting in preparation for bargaining sessions, reviewing policies and practices for compliance with union agreements, and supporting response strategies for union-related inquiries and issues
• Providing critical legal and operational support.
• Monitoring and researching applicable laws and regulations impacting the organization, including nonprofit compliance, employment law, and data privacy.
• Assisting in maintaining and implementing compliance programs and policies.
• Supporting internal audits and reviews of organizational practices to identify and mitigate legal risk.
• Providing support on intellectual property matters, including copyright, licensing, and trademark considerations.
• Assisting in managing legal aspects of digital platforms, including privacy and data use compliance.
• Serving as a responsive legal partner to departments across the organization, providing practical, solutions-oriented advice.
• Supporting Legal Department training initiatives for staff on key legal topics.
• Collaborating with external counsel as directed by the Deputy General Counsel.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in CA, CO, NY, or eligible for in-house registration.
• 3–6 years of relevant legal experience (law firm and/or in-house).
• Experience in employment law and internal investigations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with labor law and union environments (NLRA/CBA) preferred.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent judgment with ability to identify when to escalate issues.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Delivers timely, accurate, and practical legal support across a high volume of matters.
• Builds strong, trusted partnerships with HR and cross-functional teams.
• Effectively supports internal investigations and policy development.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in escalating risk and complexity.
• Contributes to a well-functioning, efficient Legal Department.

In addition to an annual salary of $100,000.00 to $135,000.00*, this position** is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time
• Paid sick, family, and medical leave
• Employee Wellness initiatives
• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment
• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.

**Applications open 4/8/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week