Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) has a simple mission:
Care. No Matter What. PPLM has been a leader in promoting sexual health for more than 90 years and we strongly believe that all people deserve care no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. As the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services, we educate families and empower youth to make responsible choices. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions.
The General Counsel will play a critical role in managing the organization’s legal needs, overseeing day-to-day legal operations, including contracts, human resources matters, and risk management. The General Counsel will also serve as a key advisor to leadership on matters related to both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, ensuring the organization meets the legal requirements of its nonprofit status while advancing its mission. This role requires strategic oversight combined with hands-on management of legal processes to support PPLM’s diverse operations.
Responsibilties:
Legal Management & Operations:
- Provide day-to-day legal counsel on matters including contracts, vendor agreements, leases, and employment law, ensuring all legal documents align with organizational goals
- Advise on human resources-related legal matters such as employment law, staff policies, disputes, and internal investigations, partnering closely with the HR team
- Offer legal guidance on activities related to both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, including tax-exempt status, advocacy work, political activities, and compliance with nonprofit regulations
- Manage risk across the organization, working with leadership to identify potential legal liabilities and develop mitigation strategies
- Oversee relationships with external counsel, ensuring outside legal resources are effectively utilized for specialized legal needs such as claims, litigation, and complex transactions
Compliance Oversight:
- Provide oversight for PPLM’s already well-established compliance programs, ensuring continued adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. Compliance with nonprofit regulations, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) requirements, but delegate day-to-day compliance activities to relevant teams
- Ensure that the organization adheres to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly in areas related to healthcare, privacy (HIPAA), and labor law
- Oversee the development of organizational policies and procedures to meet evolving legal standards, providing guidance where necessary
Board Governance & Regulatory Compliance:
- Provide legal guidance and oversight as needed on board minutes, resolutions, and agendas for compliance with regulatory requirements
- Serve as a resource on corporate governance matters and affiliate Bylaws
- Liaise with external counsel on regulatory matters, claims, and litigation
- Oversee affiliate compliance plans and initiatives, ensuring optimum compliance with regulatory standards
- Prepare and present compliance reports to the Board of Directors and executive leadership
Campaign Finance & Political Activities:
- Provide legal guidance on campaign finance regulations and political activities, ensuring compliance with state and federal campaign finance laws
- Advise on the establishment and management of political action committees (PACs) and other advocacy-related initiatives
- Support leadership in navigating the legal landscape of campaign finance as it relates to PPLM’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities
Supervision & Leadership:
- Manage compliance, legal, and risk management staff, providing leadership and guidance on organizational goals and objectives
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders to foster a culture of compliance and risk management
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and training to staff to enhance compliance knowledge and skills
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with expertise in nonprofit corporate and tax matters
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
- Bar admission in Massachusetts
- Experience in healthcare compliance, risk management, and HIPAA regulations
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible language
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage competing priorities
- Strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive matters
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with experience in electronic medical records preferred
- Availability for flexible hours and willingness to travel as needed to Planned Parenthood centers and other sites
What We Offer
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Generous paid time off including vacation time, provisions for extended sick time and 11 paid holidays
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% company match
- Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Discounts
Roles that are denoted as Hybrid require 1 day per week in the office unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.
