Paralegal

Description

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes for the more than 130,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. The Foundation has an opening for a full-time paralegal. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 

Under the direction of the senior attorney, program, the paralegal assists the organization’s Legal Team in all compliance-related and contract activities to support the Foundation’s continued operational excellence. This position is responsible for drafting program-related contracts in accordance with templates, project managing contract and filing processes, including tracking deadlines across internal and external stakeholders, supporting process improvement initiatives and managing all Legal Team processes. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

1. Drafts and tracks exceptions to program grant agreements and amendments following standard contract templates for Legal Team review and approval 
2. Drafts state charitable licensing and other business licensing filings for Legal Team review and provides administrative oversight of filing accounts and reports to meet state-required timelines 
3. Creates, documents, implements and recommends improvements to Legal Team workflows using Asana and other project management tools to fully execute contracts, grant agreements and state filings within required timelines 
4. Saves, organizes and ensures completion of all relevant Foundation legal documents to appropriate Foundation drives and recommends deletion of documents to Legal Team in accordance with applicable retention policy 
5. Manages the legal team mailbox and all communication with Foundation grantees regarding grant agreements, national grants renewal paperwork and report reminders and other needed grant-related documentation; saves and sends relevant documents to assist with Foundation grant management  
6. Conducts and summarizes any needed legal research and provides comparison of contracts to support Legal Team counsel 
7. Assists with documentation of state contract requirements and information from grant agreement renewal documents, collaborating across teams and ensuring accuracy and attention to detail 
8. Researches corporate entities contracting with the Foundation to verify proper legal entity status  
9. Manages Foundation Docusign account and sends contracts via Docusign account as needed and requested by Foundation staff 
10. Contributes to shared department efforts, including serving as trained backup for Foundation front desk duties as needed and performs other duties to support the Legal Team as necessary or required 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

The following qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to serve in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Excellent organizational skills, and notable attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high-quality results in a fast-paced environment with strict timelines  
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking abilities with the capacity to follow established templates and procedures and identify opportunities for process improvement 
• Skilled writer with demonstrated legal research skills and effective verbal communication abilities  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use case management or project management systems (e.g., Asana) to manage contracts, track compliance and monitor deadlines  
• Displays a proactive and collaborative approach, adept at working cross-functionally to achieve shared objectives; demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds 
• Proven ability to effectively support a legal team through strong collaboration and communication skills and meticulous attention to detail 
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and commitment to the mission with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive or privileged information 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Paralegal certification (through state bar association or equivalent paralegal certifying entity) or completion of ABA-approved paralegal studies program preferred, relevant experience in paralegal or attorney role may be considered  
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in paralegal studies or related degree  
• Minimum of 3-5 years of paralegal experience required, with specific experience in contract management and compliance preferred  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Minimal travel required

 
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, religious beliefs, political affiliation, creed, HIV/AIDS status, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, veteran/military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or any other category protected by applicable law. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.