General Director, Legal, Compliance & Risk

Location: New York, NY, USA

ABOUT PURE EARTH

Pure Earth is a global leader in improving public health and development outcomes by reducing exposure to lead and other toxic pollutants. We work closely with governments to embed evidence-based, sustainable solutions into public systems at the national scale. By translating data into action and pairing technical expertise with local partnerships, Pure Earth designs and delivers practical interventions that reduce pollution and poisoning risks, strengthen public response systems, and support long-term health and economic progress.

Position Summary

Pure Earth seeks an experienced Director/, Legal, Compliance & Risk, ideally an attorney, to manage legal, compliance, and risk management functions for the organization. This role reports to the Vice President, Operations, and will work closely with the C-Suite and Department and Country leadership, as well as the Board and the Audit & Risk Committee to ensure the organization maintains full legal compliance across all of its entities, effectively manages organizational risks, and protects its intellectual property and organizational interests. This individual will coordinate and collaborate with team members across the organization, focusing on providing strategic legal guidance, and ensuring compliance and operational excellence. The role balances strategic advisory with operational execution, supporting both framework development and day-to-day legal and compliance needs.

Applicants should have experience setting up and improving organization-wide initiatives, introducing and rolling out changes and improvements in a variety of operational functions.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Legal Governance

Responsible for full life cycle of legal entity management, from set up of legal operations in new countries through scheduled wind down or closing inactive entities.

Ensure Pure Earth maintains full compliance with all legal obligations, bylaws, and regulatory requirements across all of its entities (HQ and overseas)

Conduct comprehensive compliance assessments to identify gaps and areas of concern

Review and update organizational policies and procedures to maintain compliance with evolving regulations

Manage legal entities and corporate documentation for all Pure Earth entities

Risk Assessment & Management

Conduct risk assessments to identify potential legal, compliance, and operational risks

Lead legal aspects of incident investigations and manage required regulatory notifications

Partner with leadership to identify and prioritize organizational risks

Support development of a practical, fit-for-purpose risk management approach

Serve as legal lead during crisis events, coordinating with insurers, brokers, outside counsel, and support mitigation planning

Manage the organization’s global and country relevant insurance portfolios, including D&O, general liability, cyber, workers compensation, and program specific coverage

Lead annual policy renewals, broker relationships and claims management

Contract & Intellectual Property Management

Responsible for end-to end contract lifecycle including drafting, review, execution, renewal and close out for HQ and Overseas offices and ensure consistency across organization.

Oversee corporate engagement policy and ensure appropriate legal documentation of partnerships and agreements

Manage all trademark registrations and monitor trademark protection (8-year renewal cycle and ongoing management set to renew in 2033)

Maintain and manage the organization contract repository in collaboration with Finance and Grants Management.

Drive continuous improvement of contract management systems, templates and workflows

Training & Advisory Support

Develop and conduct training programs on legal and compliance matters for staff and leadership

Provide legal guidance on employment-related matters in partnership with the HR function

Advise executives and staff on legal implications of business decisions and strategic initiatives

Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Program teams to implement compliance initiatives

Audit & Quality Assurance

Conduct legal audits to assess compliance with policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including privacy, data management,

Issue recommendations based on audit findings, oversee their implementation and track remediation efforts

Ensure proper procedures are followed across legal and risk management functions

Required Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent legal qualification

8-12+ years (global/multi-entity required) years of legal and/or risk management experience in a corporate, non-profit, or in-house counsel setting

Relevant international experience

Strong knowledge of compliance, regulatory, and risk management principles

Excellent written and verbal communication and change management skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively

Proficiency with legal research tools, contract management, and standard MS365 office applications (including SharePoint, MS Teams, MS Planner)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the international non-profit or NGO sector

Familiarity with environmental or sustainability-related regulations

Experience managing international legal and compliance matters

Knowledge of intellectual property management procedures

Experience developing training programs and conducting workplace trainings

Key Competencies

Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify complex legal issues and develop strategic solutions

Attention to Detail: Precision in legal documents, contracts, and compliance matters

Communication: Clear articulation of legal concepts to non-legal audiences

Organization & Project Management: Ability to manage multiple audits, reviews, and initiatives simultaneously

Risk Awareness: Proactive identification and mitigation of potential organizational risks

Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with executive leadership and across departments

Professional Integrity: Commitment to ethical conduct and confidentiality

Work Environment & Expectations

This position reports to the Vice President, Operations, but will also work closely with the C-Suite and the Board and the Audit & Risk Committee. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with executive leadership and have exposure to all aspects of Pure Earth's business.

Full-time. Hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work in the NYC office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the option of working remotely on other weekdays. Occasional weekends, late nights or early mornings to accommodate global time zones with overseas teams may be required. Occasional travel may be expected.

Pay Transparency

This role is classified as an L5 position. The salary for this position ranges from $97,000 - $170,000. Additional compensation may be considered for highly qualified candidates. This position is eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid holidays, paid sick time, paid parental leave, 401(k) plan participation, life and disability insurance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know when you are contacted for a screening or interview.

This job description may be revised and updated as required to meet organizational objectives.

Pure Earth

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General Director, Legal, Compliance & Risk