General Counsel, Sole Attorney

The Company is seeking a General Counsel to serve as its sole in-house attorney. This pivotal role involves leading the legal function with a focus on legal operations, outside counsel management, and strategic legal guidance. The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of legal matters, including but not limited to, contracts, commercial issues, board governance, employment, labor, and regulatory compliance. The General Counsel will also be involved in risk management, insurance, and intellectual property matters, and will be expected to provide legal counsel on a variety of issues, particularly those related to marketing, advertising, education programs, and exhibit development. Applicants for the General Counsel position at the company should have a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. A minimum of 7 years' of relevant legal experience is required, with a preference for those with significant in-house experience and/or a background in advising nonprofit organizations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contracts, employment and labor law, and general corporate matters, as well as knowledge of laws and regulations impacting 501(c)(3) organizations. Experience in managing an internal legal function and overseeing outside counsel is also preferred. The role demands a strategic, pragmatic legal advisor with strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.