Associate General Counsel

The Associate General Counsel provides legal advice, and counsel, and represents The Church of the Nazarene, Inc. and its officers and directors, pertaining to the interpretation and implementation of state and federal laws, procurement, intellectual property, licensing, preparation of legal documents, and other related legal matters. This position requires interactions with external legal counsel, constituents, GMC leaders, and human resource team leaders. This requires being a member in good standing of the Kansas Bar and admission to practice in the Kansas Federal District Court.

As a key member of the Legal Services Office, this position works with the General Counsel to provide all in-house legal functions and legal support for all offices of the Global Ministry Center, primarily in the areas of business contracts, intellectual property, regulatory matters, and compliance. Assists in overseeing and managing all work performed by outside legal firms. This position requires interactions with external legal counsel, constituents, GMC leaders, and human resource team leaders.

• Provide legal advice, counsel, and representation to direct-support organizations of The Church of the Nazarene, Inc. (COTN, Inc.), as assigned by the General Counsel.
• Interpret and implement applicable state and federal laws, rules, and policies as they relate to COTN, Inc.
• Review, negotiate, and prepare legal documents necessary to facilitate diverse international commercial transactions.
• Review and advise on matters regarding copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property matters.
• Formulate, develop, implement, interpret, and review COTN, Inc. regulations, policies, and procedures to identify the need for policy development or changes to protect and serve COTN, Inc.’s legal interests.
• Represent COTN, Inc. in state and/or federal courts as well as administrative forums of competent jurisdiction.
• Advise the Board of General Superintendents, as requested, and prepare documentation pertaining to jurisdictional matters.
• Liaise with Human Resources, as requested, on personnel and disciplinary matters.
• Maintain professional growth and development through continuing legal education as required by legal regulatory agencies.
• Advise district superintendents and local church leaders, as appropriate and as time permits, regarding Manual policies, precedent, and best practices.
• Manage legal issues from inception to completion to ensure timely follow-up by outside counsel and appropriate billing.
• Support corporate policies on compliance and corporate governance issues.
• Implement and maintain corporate standards and procedures for records retention, retrieval and disposition of vital business records.
• Oversee destruction of archived media, paper, and electronic information as appropriate.
• Analyze and summarize legal documents including contracts, making suggestions for alterations of those documents prior to execution.
• Support corporate policies and procedures related to standards of legal and ethical conduct.
• Ensure that legal transaction work is of high quality, timely, and that interests are appropriately protected.
• Consistently support compliance by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and COTN, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Perform legal research.
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested.

Other Skills/Abilities:

• Have competent legal experience, excellent organizational skills, and knowledge and understanding of the polity, systems, and culture of the Church of the Nazarene.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills, in all interactions with senior management, directors, and all levels of employees
• Strong analytical and communication skills to distill advice from subject matter experts and frame issues succinctly and clearly, allowing management to make informed decisions.
• Developed business acumen, with ability to understand the mission of the denomination and anticipate the nature and magnitude of issues that could arise in various settings.
• Ability to work well with internal and external constituents.
• Sound judgment in evaluating and mitigating risk.
• Ability to resolve complex situations in an inclusive but decisive manner.
• Accept responsibility and accountability for achieving results.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers, internet, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office suite of software including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook (or related e-mail system).
• Ability to drive projects to an effective conclusion with effective project management and planning skills, while providing high attention to details and follow-through.
• Proven ability to make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Must be willing to manage a heavy workload under strict deadlines.
• Must have the ability to concisely make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, or regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and to appropriately prioritize workload based upon organization’s needs.
• Must possess a high degree of professionalism and integrity and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.