Manager, Office of the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

POSITION: Manager, Office of the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

REPORTS TO: Interim President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

LOCATION: New York, NY

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

WEBSITE: www.thenytrust.org

START DATE: September 2026

ABOUT US

As New York's largest community foundation, The New York Community Trust ("The Trust") fosters and engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy, making grants that bring together the local knowledge and expertise of its team, nonprofits, and partners to help donors fulfill their vision for the causes they love. From education and the arts to health care and the environment, The Trust seeks to improve every aspect of the cultural and civic life of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

The Trust is a regional philanthropic leader. In addition to a distinguished competitive grantmaking program, The Trust hosts donor-advised funds (DAFs) that make grants throughout the United States as well as funder collaboratives that work on the leading edge of philanthropy to improve the lives of New Yorkers. In 2025, it made close to 11,000 grants totaling nearly $230 million, and has made more than $2 billion in grants over the past decade.

Having celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2024, The Trust has long been a leader in the field, with innovations ranging from establishing the first donor-advised fund in the 1930s to making landmark grants, including some of the first to fight AIDS, build The High Line, support immigrant communities in the region, and respond quickly in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Trust seeks a Manager, Office of the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, to serve as a trusted member of the office and help ensure the effective management and coordination of its broad range of responsibilities.

The office of the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary oversees the legal function of the organization; is responsible for processes relating to The Trust's funds, including developing strategies for carrying out the purposes of those funds; supports the General Counsel and Board of Directors with Board meeting preparation and record-keeping; supports the donor department with regard to both legal and non-legal matters; and undertakes special projects across departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Management of Fund Processes (40%)

• Prepare documents relating to the creation and management of funds and manage office files relating to funds.
• Develop written strategies for carrying out purposes of new funds and oversee process for revisiting existing strategies periodically.
• Work with staff across the organization to prepare materials for internal and Board committee meetings relating to fund purposes.
• Develop expertise in the variety of funds and their characteristics, acting as a resource throughout the organization.

Preparation of Board Meeting Materials and Compliance Documentation (40%)

• Prepare agenda, supporting materials, and draft minutes for Board and Board committee meetings.
• Manage annual conflict of interest process, including distribution of questionnaires and receipt of responses.
• Maintain Board-related archives.

Executive Support (10%)

• Maintain telephone and email contact with Board members, donors, potential donors, and professional advisors.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with external parties, including attendance, catering, seating, and meeting materials.
• Handle other tasks as the General Counsel may require.

Support for Special Projects (10%)

• Provide research or other support for special projects as directed by the General Counsel.

The Trust supports skills-based hiring and considers a range of experiences, including professional roles, internships, volunteer or project-based work, education, certifications, and professional or industry involvement.

• At least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience required; experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or supporting corporate governance, board administration, or corporate secretary functions strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a legal, nonprofit, foundation, governance, executive office, corporate secretary, or related professional environment preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in a Humanities field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Excel, required. Experience utilizing AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Claude) and database systems is preferred.

Competencies

• Written Communication: Possesses strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional materials.
• Analytical Skills and Judgment: Applies strong analytical skills, exercises good judgment, and can synthesize information.
• Professional Presence and Relationship Management: Able to maintain positive working relationships with staff, board members, and external stakeholders. Exercises tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality when managing sensitive information.
• Intellectual Curiosity and Initiative: Curious and enthusiastic about learning new areas and undertaking new projects.
• Time Management and Independence: Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workflows with minimal oversight.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000, based on market data and internal equity; placement within the range depends on experience.

Our offices are primarily in-person, with remote work on Fridays and limited additional remote flexibility. Benefits include a pension plan, 8% 403(b) contribution, subsidized medical coverage, generous paid time off, paid bonding leave, and more.

The Trust qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, allowing eligible employees to apply their service toward loan forgiveness.

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