Achievement First seeks applicants for its next General Counsel.Achievement First (AF) was founded 25 years ago based on the belief that every child— regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to excellent schools. With a network of 41 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, AF serves as an educational beacon, guiding nearly 15,000 students toward their full potential. The organization prides itself on serving a diverse student population, with a majority of scholars identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and from low-income backgrounds. At AF, students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from high school, succeed in college, thrive in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in their communities.The next General Counsel should be driven by a commitment to meeting and serving AF’s mission and scholars in executing this pivotal leadership role. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role will aid in steering the organization through the complex legal landscape of non-profit management, charter school operations, and educational issues. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted strategic partner and advisor to the CEO and will assess risk on a continuous basis.Successful candidates will hold a JD or equivalent and be licensed to practice law in New York. Additionally, candidates who have at least fifteen years of relevant legal experience. Ideally, candidates will be well poised to serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, believe in the mission and educational model of AF, and possess expertise in a broad range of legal disciplines, particularly education law, charter law, contract law, employment law, and public records law, among others. Furthermore, candidates should bring a solutions-oriented mindset, superb communication skills, and a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.
For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications (CV/résumé and a letter of interest) to:
Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Esq., Global Chief Legal Officer and Managing DirectorSonya Olds Som, Esq., Global Managing Partner, Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice GroupAnne Koellhoffer, Managing AssociateDiversified Search[email protected]