Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and a license in good standing to practice law in Illinois.
At least seven years of relevant legal experience; significant in-house experience and/or advising nonprofit organizations is preferred.
Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and boards on governance matters.
Strong background in contracts, employment and labor law, and general corporate matters.
Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting 501(c)(3) organizations.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and standard operating procedures, write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before employee groups.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, turnover rates, and retention rates.
Ability to solve practical problems involving a variety of concrete variables and limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and concisely; prioritize effectively amid changing demands; and handle confidential matters with integrity and sound judgment.
Responsibilities
Retain, manage, and oversee outside counsel and specialized legal advisors to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
Lead and coordinate legal strategy for litigation, disputes, and legal proceedings involving the Museum.
Review, draft, and negotiate complex agreements across Museum operations, including exhibit fabrication and rentals, construction and facilities maintenance, artifact loans, intellectual property licensing, special events and education programs, fundraising and development activities, debt instruments, and general commercial agreements.
Advise the President and CEO and senior leadership team on legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters.
Partner with executive leadership to support the Museum's mission, strategy, and business objectives while identifying and mitigating legal risks.
Participate in developing organizational policies, procedures, and programs, providing guidance on their legal implications.
Serve as General Counsel to the Board of Trustees, advising on governance, fiduciary duties, and compliance.
Act as staff liaison to the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Serve as Chief Ethics Officer under the Code of Ethics, overseeing conflicts of interest and ethics reporting.
Advise on employment and labor matters, including union relations, collective bargaining agreements, and compliance with employment laws.
Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local laws affecting nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) requirements.
Identify and analyze legal and operational risks across the organization.
Maintain and oversee the Museum's property and casualty insurance portfolio.
Co-lead the Enterprise Risk Management program with the CFO.
Provide legal counsel on copyright, trademarks, and other intellectual property matters, particularly related to marketing, advertising, education programs, and exhibit development.
Develop an understanding of Museum operations and build trusted relationships across departments.
Translate complex legal issues into practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting 501(c)(3) organizations, preferably in a cultural, educational, or mission-driven context.
Experience managing an internal legal function and overseeing outside counsel.
Familiarity with intellectual property, risk management, and insurance matters.
About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Job: The General Counsel leads the Museum's legal function as its sole in-house attorney, offering a unique opportunity for broad responsibility, meaningful impact, and direct engagement with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees in a fast-paced environment. The position combines functioning at both a hands-on and strategic level, leveraging outside counsel thoughtfully to enhance internal capabilities.
Responsibilities: Legal Operations and Outside Counsel Management
Retain, manage, and oversee outside counsel and specialized legal advisors to ensure high quality, cost-effective legal services.
Lead and coordinate legal strategy for litigation, disputes, and legal proceedings involving the Museum.
Contracts and Commercial Matters
Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements across all Museum operations including:
Exhibit fabrication and rentals
Construction and facilities maintenance
Artifact loans
Intellectual property licensing
Special events and education programs
Fundraising and development activities
Debt instruments and general commercial agreements
Strategic and Executive Leadership
Serve as the primary advisor to the President and CEO and senior leadership team on all legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters.
Partner with executive leadership to support the Museum's mission, strategy, and business objectives while proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks.
Participate in the development of organizational policies, procedures, and programs, providing ongoing guidance on legal implications.
Board Governance and Ethics
Serve as the General Counsel to the Board of Trustees, providing legal guidance on governance, fiduciary duties, and compliance.
Act as a staff liaison to the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Serve as the Museum's Chief Ethics Officer under the Code of Ethics including oversight of conflicts of interest and ethics reporting.
Employment, Labor and Regulatory Compliance
Advise on employment and labor matters, including union relations, collective bargaining agreements, and compliance with applicable employment laws.
Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local laws affecting nonprofit organizations including 501(c)(3) requirements.
Risk Management and Insurance
Identify and analyze legal and operational risks across the organization.
Maintain and oversee the Museum's property and casualty insurance portfolio.
Co-lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program in partnership with the CFO.
Intellectual Property
Provide legal counsel on copyright, trademarks, and other IP matters, particularly related to marketing, advertising, education programs, and exhibit development.
Cross-functional Partnership
Develop a deep understanding of Museum operations and build trusted relationships across departments.
Translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned. Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant legal experience; significant in-house experience and/or advising nonprofit organizations preferred.
Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and boards on governance matters.
Strong background in contracts, employment and labor law, and general corporate matters.
Knowledge of laws and regulations impacting 501(c)(3) organizations, preferably within a cultural, educational, or mission-driven context.
Experience managing an internal legal function and overseeing outside counsel preferred.
Familiarity with intellectual property, risk management, and insurance matters preferred.
Ability to be a strategic, pragmatic legal advisor with strong business acumen.
Hands-on, solution-oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and concisely.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize effectively amid changing demands.
Demonstrated integrity, sound judgement, credibility, transparency, and a high-level of confidentiality.
Collaborative team player with a down-to-earth approach and strong interpersonal skills.
Intellectual curiosity with the ability to quickly develop expertise in new areas of law.
Language:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, standard operating procedures, etc.
ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
Mathematical:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, turnover rates, retention rates, etc.
Reasoning:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Physical:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment:
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $225,000.
This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
Position created on September 2, 2026
Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.
Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.