Junior Counsel

Overview

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org) is working to build a more just, equitable society. We do this by providing capacity building services, consulting and training services, and operational support for hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. We are partners and colleagues working collaboratively to support areas critical for organizations, including  property management, leadership development and support, finance and accounting, human resources, and organizational development. We live by our values as an organization, and are committed to identifying, including, and valuing the unique skills, perspectives and knowledge of each member of our team.

About our Values:

• Justice - A just society is one in which all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive. We seek to create a more just world in all of our work.
• Progress - We commit our resources, expertise, and energy to delivering high quality support and services that make movement toward a more just world possible.
• Impact - We work collaboratively with others to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations who work toward social good.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Associate General Counsel, the temporary Junior Counsel works in support of the missions of our fiscally sponsored projects (FSPs) as well as TSNE as an organization, in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-based environment. The temporary Junior Counsel plays a key role in managing the contracting needs of TSNE’s FSPs, as well as TSNE’s additional programs and services. The temporary Junior Counsel must be able to balance efficient drafting and review of contracts with attention to detail and application of legal principles to promote and protect the missions and legal interests of TSNE and its FSPs. The temporary Junior Counsel will also be expected to become familiar with the distinction between TSNE and its FSPs, including their respective legal roles and responsibilities when working through the contracts process or negotiating terms. In addition, the temporary Junior Counsel must be customer service oriented, tech savvy, and an effective communicator with both clients and colleagues to meet the evolving needs of social justice initiatives housed at TSNE.

This is a temporary position expected to begin on or around November 16, 2026 and end by December 24, 2026.

Essential Functions

Contracts Drafting, Review & Negotiation – 90% 

• Under the supervision of the Associate General Counsel, draft, review, and negotiate contracts and grants (including, but not limited to: vendor agreements, leases, fee for service contracts, Master Service Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, etc.) on behalf of TSNE’s FSPs and TSNE’s internal teams, ensuring compliance with applicable funding terms, laws, and regulations including Uniform Guidance and TSNE policies, protocols and procedures.
• Own assigned contracts, ensuring that they make it through all stages of the contracts process, from drafting and negotiation, through signature, within the timeframes established by Legal Team leadership for contract turnaround. 
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with FSPs and colleagues, and escalate matters to Legal Team leadership as needed during the contracts process to manage expectations, ensure understanding of business terms and requirements, clarify priorities, discuss acceptable modifications, etc. 
• Develop an understanding of the mission and program of FSPs and work to identify and mitigate potential risks within their respective contracts. 
• Work in partnership with other members of the Legal Team to provide excellent client services to TSNE internal teams and FSPs and collaborate across the organization to ensure all stakeholders’ contract needs are met. 

Contracts Management & Process– 10%  

• Work with Contracts Team, and specifically Contracts Administrator, to keep organization-wide contract records updated in Salesforce and shared drives.
• Work with Contracts Team on an on-going basis to evaluate and improve the contracts process for TSNE colleagues and FSPs. 

Complete other tasks and projects related to the position, as needed.

Qualifications

Many folks who are impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities, tend to only submit an application if they meet every requirement listed. At TSNE, we are always looking for enthusiastic candidates who are the best fit for the role, both culturally and through experience. If you believe you’d be a good addition to our team, we look forward to your application!

• Law degree from an accredited law school with an active license in good standing to practice law in Massachusetts (REQUIRED); 
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience negotiating and drafting contracts of all types at substantial volume required; 
• Demonstrable experience with contract management systems, with ability to manage a high-volume contract portfolio;
• Highly experienced with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM (Salesforce) programs; 
• Familiarity with contracts management software and the ability to identify and implement technology solutions related to the contracts administration process; 
• Ability to manage and organize multiple projects while paying close attention to detail and meeting deadlines; 
• Ability to provide high level of responsive customer service required; 
• Ability to learn new things quickly; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including fluency in English are required;  
• Extremely well-organized with excellent attention to detail; 
• Ability to tactfully and diplomatically work through challenging situations with stakeholders; 
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced, diverse environment; 
• Ability to move past challenges and find solutions; 
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for TSNE's mission and to the work of social and economic justice organizations. 

You also believe in and embody our organizational values and the below core competencies:

• Communication – The ability to effectively exchange ideas, concepts, facts, and data with diverse audiences.
• High standard of integrity, ethics, and professionalism – The highest standards of integrity, ethical practices and professionalism are demonstrated in all aspects of work, including interactions with others, decision-making, and the development and delivery of work product. The ability to integrate core values, equity, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational practices.
• Relationship management – The ability to develop and nurture positive, productive relationships with others.
• Collaboration – The ability to collaborate vertically and horizontally throughout the organization and with others.
• Technologically and organizationally functional – Computer skills and demonstrates willingness to learn additional, specific platforms. Also understands and follows the policies and procedures applicable to all staff.

And a strong combination of the following qualifications:

• Soft Skills including exceptional discretion and judgment. Effective verbal and written communication skills with a wide audience. Ability to build productive and successful range of relationships and effectively serve in roles ranging from trusted advisor, teammate, subject matter expert and to coach.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and some understanding of fostering an inclusive, culturally sensitive, environment. Willing to ask questions, learn, and constructively share and accept feedback. Must be adaptable to a range of audiences and dynamics.
• Just do good work by providing high quality work in fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills are necessary. Must be flexible and able to manage multiple changing priorities and projects, and be organized and detail oriented. Provide excellent customer service by being on-time and accurate.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described for this position are that of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position. There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

Location: Work will be performed between our office located at the NonProfit Center at 89 South Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02111 and your home office. This position is required to be on-site occasionally for in-person client engagements and some meetings with TSNE staff and program participants. 

Schedule: This position is temporary through December 24, 2026, full-time at 37.5 hours per week, and hours are flexible within reason.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: The salary for this position is $4,788.47 bi-weekly.

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

TSNE strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.

TSNE is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation to apply or participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected]. Requests will be handled confidentially and shared only as needed to evaluate and implement the accommodation.