ABOUT SEQUOIA CLIMATE FOUNDATION
Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate General Counsel is a senior member of the Foundation’s in-house legal team, serving as a strategic advisor, trusted partner, and hands-on practitioner. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel provides leadership and expertise across the Foundation’s full spectrum of legal matters — including grantmaking, contracts, governance, risk management, and compliance — ensuring the organization operates with integrity, efficiency, and alignment with its mission.
This role bridges strategic legal counsel and operational excellence, advising leadership and program teams on complex issues while also developing systems, policies, and training that enable a high-performing and compliant foundation. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, humility, and the ability to translate legal nuance into practical, mission-aligned guidance. This role requires a self-starter who can work autonomously and take ownership of complex projects from start to finish.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES
Transactional & Grantmaking
Collaborate with finance and program leadership to ensure responsible stewardship of charitable resources.
Compliance & Risk Management
Manage relationships with external counsel for specialized areas such as tax, intellectual property, employment, and international operations.
Training & Development
Build and sustain a culture of trust, accountability, and proactive risk awareness across the Foundation.
Strategic Counsel & Legal Leadership
Represent the legal function with credibility and diplomacy, balancing compliance rigor with strategic flexibility.
Governance & Board Support
Support the development of governance for affiliated or subsidiary entities.
Performs other duties as required.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
- Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensure: Admission to a state bar in good standing; eligibility to serve as in-house counsel in California required.
- Required Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of legal practice, including significant in-house or foundation experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in transactional work, grantmaking, nonprofit governance, and compliance.
- Preferred Experience:
- Background in intellectual property, employment law, data privacy, controversies, or international compliance.
- Familiarity with legal and compliance software (e.g., Salesforce, Conga, the Google suite) is a plus.
COMPETENCIES
- Development
Proactively enhances legal expertise and professional capabilities to excel in current responsibilities and prepare for future growth. Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in identifying learning opportunities and deepening subject-matter knowledge. - Collaboration
Builds and maintains strong, trust-based relationships across programs, functions, and geographies. Balances independent work with a spirit of collaboration, sharing information transparently and contributing to a psychologically safe and inclusive environment. - Innovation
Approaches complex legal and organizational challenges with creativity and initiative. Works autonomously to identify forward-looking and practical solutions that advance the Foundation’s ambitious and visionary goals. - Adaptability
Remains flexible and effective amid evolving priorities, circumstances, and stakeholder needs. Exercises sound judgment and professional maturity in determining when to act independently and when to engage others for alignment. - Conflict Management
Addresses differences constructively and with empathy. Demonstrates discretion and independence in facilitating thoughtful, inclusive resolutions that reflect Sequoia’s goals and values. - Risk Management
Anticipates and evaluates potential risks with a proactive, analytical mindset. Operates with autonomy and sound judgment to develop and implement strategies that mitigate legal and organizational exposure. - Productivity
Takes ownership of matters and drives them forward with efficiency, accountability, and attention to detail. Manages competing priorities independently while maintaining alignment with team objectives and organizational goals.
COMPENSATION AND WORK LOCATION
Sequoia Climate Foundation offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes a competitive base salary in the range of $275,000 to $300,000, medical insurance, vision insurance, paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, student loan assistance, tuition assistance, and disability insurance.
This is a hybrid role that requires the new Associate General Counsel to be in the Foundation’s Irvine, California, offices 3 days a week and work remotely 2 days a week. We are not considering fully remote hires for this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Human Centered | Global Collaborative | Data-Driven | Optimistic | Bold
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
TO APPLY
Interested, qualified professionals should submit a tailored cover letter and resume to the following search consultants:
| Steve John Partner John and Snyder, LLC steve@johnandsnyder.com (415) 505-6685 | Jason Snyder Partner John and Snyder, LLC jason@johnandsnyder.com (415) 505-6687 |
All inquiries and/or application materials sent directly to the Foundation will be redirected to John and Snyder, LLC for review, which may cause significant delay in evaluation and response.
On behalf of Sequoia Climate Foundation, we thank you for your interest in the Associate General Counselopportunity.
