About MusicBreeds, Inc.

MusicBreeds is seeking an experienced and mission-aligned General Counsel to serve as the organization’s chief legal advisor. The General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the organization, providing strategic counsel to executive leadership, ensuring regulatory compliance (including nonprofit and education laws), managing contracts, and mitigating legal risk as the organization continues to scale across multiple programs and funding streams.

This role is critical to safeguarding the legal and ethical integrity of MusicBreeds as it grows its reach through workforce development, edtech initiatives, youth justice programs, and educational partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy & Governance

• Advise the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team on legal rights, obligations, and risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting nonprofit organizations, workforce programs, educational partnerships, and corporate structure.
• Organizational structure

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts and MOUs with funders, school districts, landlords, vendors, and partner organizations.
• Ensure clear terms and enforceable agreements that align with MusicBreeds' mission and protect its interests.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain compliance with 501(c)(3) nonprofit regulations, employment law, grant requirements (including WIOA and NYS/DCJS contracts), and real estate obligations.
• Oversee annual reporting and ensure adherence to procurement, lobbying, and transparency guidelines.

Risk Management

• Identify potential legal exposure areas and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support the organization in resolving disputes, managing legal claims, or navigating government investigations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active member in good standing with the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience practicing law, preferably with a focus on nonprofit, education, or public sector work.
• Demonstrated experience advising organizations on governance, compliance, and contract law.
• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) operations, grant-funded programs, and employment law.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and risk management skills.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and equity-centered approach of MusicBreeds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with youth services, education law, or juvenile justice systems.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, and data privacy in an edtech or SaaS context.
• Experience managing outside counsel and/or working in a startup or scaling nonprofit environment.