General Counsel

Description

Habitat for Humanity Seattle–King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat SKKC) seeks an experienced, mission-driven General Counsel to serve as the organization’s primary legal advisor and strategic partner to the COO, Board of Directors, and leadership team.

Habitat SKKC operates at the intersection of affordable housing innovation, real estate development, public-private finance, and systems-level change. We are not a traditional housing developer. Our work includes pioneering shared-equity home ownership models, navigating complex multi-source funding structures, advancing policy and advocacy efforts to remove systemic barriers to housing, and providing long-term stewardship that supports homeowners well beyond closing. This role offers a rare opportunity for a senior legal professional to apply sophisticated legal expertise to work that delivers tangible, community-level impact.

The General Counsel oversees all legal, governance, and compliance functions for a dynamic and growing affordable housing organization. The role requires excellent judgment, a practical and solutions-oriented approach to risk management, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance that advances Habitat SKKC’s mission.

• Lead legal support for real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, development agreements, loan and grant documents, purchase and sale agreements, and regulatory agreements.
• Oversee legal aspects of residential home sales, shared-equity and ground lease models, condominiums, homeowner associations, and single-purpose entities.
• Conduct or oversee title, survey, and due diligence review; support closings and issuance of borrower legal opinions as needed.

• Oversee nonprofit governance, including board resolutions, legal filings, entity structure, and maintenance of governance and compliance systems.
• Advise on federal, state, and local laws applicable to nonprofit organizations and affordable housing development.
• Identify, assess, and advise on legal and regulatory risks; support organizational communications related to areas of risk.

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to leadership and staff across departments, providing clear, practical guidance on a wide range of legal issues.
• Conduct legal research and analysis; develop templates, tools, and staff-friendly policies and procedures.
• Review grant applications, agreements, and reports; advise staff on legal requirements and compliance obligations.
• Provide legal analysis and guidance related to advocacy or policy matters, including review of written materials, as appropriate.

• Manage relationships with outside legal counsel, including oversight of litigation when necessary.
• Ensure cost-effective and mission-aligned use of external legal resources.

• Collaborate across departments on strategic and organization-wide initiatives.
• Support homeowner services, including post-sale legal inquiries and requests.
• Manage staff paralegal; may supervise more staff as organizational needs evolve.

What You Bring:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressively responsible legal experience, with significant experience in real estate development and complex transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound legal judgment in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts to non-lawyers, senior leaders, and boards.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to Habitat SKKC’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Lead with service. Respect all people. Build community. Deliver results.

Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage;
Health Savings Account (HSA);
Life and AD&D Insurance;
Disability Insurance;
Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
Fitness Reimbursement.

Financial & Retirement: 401(k) Retirement Plan with dollar-for-dollar match on employee contributions up to 6% of annual salary;
Verizon Wireless discount; 25% Habitat Store discount.

Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days per year; 11 paid holidays; 7 sick days per year; up to 3 days for bereavement (or 5 days if out-of-state travel is required);
Jury Duty Leave.

Professional Growth: Professional Reimbursement: $1,500–$3,000 annually depending on length of service; 30 dedicated training hours for skill-building and career advancement.

Join our team and make a difference in our community!