General Counsel

Company Overview

Promise modernizes how government agencies and utilities support people in financial difficulty. We build technology that makes it simple for residents to receive benefits, engage with assistance programs, set up flexible payment plans, and stay on track—while helping agencies increase efficiency, recover revenue, and deliver services with dignity. Our mission is to transform public systems so they work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Our team includes experts from companies like Palantir, Google, Stripe , and esteemed government leaders. We work hard and believe deeply in what we do. We're looking for excellent people to build innovative, resilient technology.

Backed by over $50 million in funding from top investors – such as Reid Hoffman, Howard Schultz, Michael Seibel, Y Combinator, 8VC, The General Partnership, First Round Capital, Kapor Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Bronze Investments – Promise has been recognized as one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies of 2022,” “Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2024,” and Y Combinator’s #1 GovTech startup.

Role Overview

The General Counsel (GC) at Promise will play a critical role in overseeing all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. The GC will lead and develop our legal team, partner closely with departments across the organization, and drive initiatives to ensure compliance and mitigate risk. This individual will be responsible for providing strategic counsel on a range of issues, from contracts and procurement to regulatory matters and IP protection.

What You’ll Do

• Contract and Agreement Management: Oversee and manage all aspects of contract negotiations, including service agreements, vendor contracts, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships.

• Leadership and Strategy: Provide strategic legal guidance and leadership to the company, advising on risks and ensuring the company’s activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.

• Risk Management: Identify potential legal risks, provide solutions to mitigate them, and work proactively to ensure that legal matters are managed effectively.

• Team Collaboration: Partner with business development, product, and engineering teams to advise on new initiatives, product compliance, and potential regulatory hurdles.

• Compliance Program Development: Design, implement, and oversee compliance programs and policies to ensure that Promise adheres to relevant legal requirements and industry best practices. Ensure processes scale with the company’s growth.

• Cross-Functional Guidance: Work across departments to ensure the legal team provides timely and strategic guidance on issues impacting company operations.

What Will Enable You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership.

• 10+ years of experience in legal practice, with substantial experience in technology, compliance, and regulatory law.

• Proven track record of managing complex legal matters and providing strategic counsel to senior management.

• Experience in high-growth technology or compliance-driven industries is preferred.

• Ability to oversee and manage compliance across various domains, including data protection, trade compliance, and intellectual property.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage with various stakeholders.

• Quick learner with a proactive approach to problem-solving and navigating legal matters in a start-up or fast-paced environment.

• Comfort with a fast-paced, evolving environment, with the agility to adjust strategies and approaches as new opportunities and challenges arise.

• Ability to adapt quickly to emerging legal issues, including those related to AI, data analytics, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits and Work Environment

At Promise, we invest in our team’s well-being, growth, and sense of ownership.

• Equity for All: All full-time employees receive stock options to share in our company’s success.

• 100% Paid Health Coverage: We cover 100% of base medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.

• Flexible Hybrid Work: We collaborate in office at least three days a week to stay connected and aligned as a team.

Please note: Benefits are reviewed periodically and may be updated at the sole discretion of Promise.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status. Additionally, the Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates. Promise is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws.

Promise engages in US government contracts and restricts hiring to US persons, which includes US citizens and permanent residents (e.g., Green Card holders). Additionally, candidates must reside in the US.