Assistant General Counsel

WHO We Are:

Self-Help started in 1980 with a focus on economic inequality especially in communities that have faced systemic barriers in building wealth. At the core of what Self-Help does is a drive to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity. In other words, we’re committed to economic justice! Economic Justice means that all communities have the basic infrastructure they need to thrive, from high quality schools to grocery stores selling fresh foods resources that support opportunity at a neighborhood level regardless of demographics, income, or wealth. Since our founding, we’ve constantly sought to find new ways to pursue greater economic justice: from providing fair and affordable loans, to working with partners to demand that lawmakers change unjust policies.

We are seeking an Assistant General Counsel to join our Legal Team in Durham, NC!

The Assistant General Counsel will be a member of the Legal Team with primary responsibility for supporting Self-Help’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Team. This position will play a critical role in delivering financing for consumers and small businesses, primarily in low and moderate income communities, to adopt clean energy technologies nationwide. The successful candidate will use technical skills in business, finance, and transactional work to reduce the effects of climate change and help create a more equitable and just economy.

WHAT You'll DO:

• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements to implement a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide financing for greenhouse gas reduction products for consumers, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and other decarbonization products. Although the work will support financing for consumers, most of the project work will involve negotiating agreements with financial intermediaries and partner organizations.
• Other transactions may include financing transactions for direct investments in qualified projects that support greenhouse gas reduction technologies and goals.
• The work will primarily be transactional, and will also require careful analysis, interpretation, and implementation of EPA regulations and grant agreements.

• Provide guidance on general corporate governance matters, including developing and implementing internal compliance policies, developing materials to ensure good corporate governance, advising on procurement requirements, and advising on general ethics and compliance issues.

• Provide legal support to other teams within Self-Help as needed, based on the needs of the team and the interest of the successful candidate.
• Act as a change agent to drive Self-Help’s economic inclusion initiatives by integrating supplier diversity and the use of businesses owned by women and people of color in third party contracting and vendor management for relevant products and services.
• Perform other duties as may be deemed necessary.

WHAT You’ll NEED:

• Juris Doctor degree and member of the Bar in state where position is located
• 2 years of experience in business contracts, financial services, or other commercial transactions
• Ability to analyze highly complex concepts and articulate logical, coherent, workable solutions and procedures

• Expert negotiation skills
• Expert planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Expert analytical and reasoning skills
• Advanced interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced skill in dealing tactfully with all levels of staff and leadership
• Ability to take initiative, apply good judgment, and make sound decisions
• Ability to work in environment that places priority on teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to create strong relationships across multiple types of difference, and to thrive in a diverse and inclusive team environment
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines
• Curiosity, desire to learn, and ability to adapt
• Demonstrated commitment to Self-Help’s mission of economic justice
• Ability to demonstrate Self-Help's Core Values:
  • Mission Before Self
  • Service With Excellence
  • Embracing & Promoting Change
  • Results Not Credit
  • Diversity as a Strength
  • Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working familiarity with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), community economic development, credit unions, or other financial institutions

If you are interested in who we are and what we do; have a strong desire to work in an organization that places a high priority on teamwork and collaboration; and are interested in working to help create economic opportunity for all – THIS is the place for you! "Click the “apply now” button to apply!"

Compensation:

Competitive nonprofit compensation, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package.

Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status.