General Counsel (, WA, United States)
Overview Company Overview Radio Free Asia (RFA) is an independent, nonprofit news organization with a singular and powerful mission:to provide accurate, uncensored news and information to people living in countries where a free press isrestricted, controlled, or does not exist. For nearly three decades, RFA has served as a trusted source of independent journalism across Asia,delivering reporting in multiple languages to audiences in China, North Korea, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia,Laos, Myanmar, and other regions where access to reliable information can be limited or activelysuppressed. Through radio broadcasts, digital platforms, and multimedia journalism, RFA provides millions ofpeople with access to facts, perspectives, and stories that might otherwise remain untold. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., RFA operates with full editorial independence as a private, nonprofitorganization funded through a federal grant from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Its journalistsand contributors work in some of the world's most challenging media environments, often navigatingsignificant political, legal, and personal risks in pursuit of truthful reporting. Today, RFA stands at a pivotal moment. As the global media landscape continues to evolve and geopoliticaltensions reshape the environment in which independent journalism operates, the organization is navigating significant change while remaining steadfast in its commitment to press freedom, accountability, and publicservice. The issues facing RFA are complex, highly visible, and often unprecedented, requiring thoughtfulleadership, adaptability, and strategic decision-making across every part of the organization. As funding structures, geopolitical realities, and the media landscape continue to evolve, RFA is rebuildingand positioning itself for the future. This creates a unique opportunity for the General Counsel to help shape the next chapter of the organization and ensure that strong legal, governance, and operational foundationssupport long-term success. For leaders who are motivated by mission and energized by complexity, RFA offers a rare opportunity tocontribute to work with meaningful global impact. The organization's commitment to journalistic excellence,freedom of expression, and access to information has never been more important—or more relevant—than itis today. Role Summary Reporting to the President, the General Counsel (GC) serves as the chief legal advisor and a strategicthought partner to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team of Radio Free Asia (RFA).More than the organization's lead attorney, the General Counsel is an enterprise leader who helps shapedecisions, manage risk, and ensure that the organization can fulfill its mission in an increasingly complexlegal, regulatory, and geopolitical environment. Radio Free Asia occupies a unique and critically important space. Operating under a congressional mandateand with full editorial independence, RFA delivers accurate and uncensored news and information toaudiences living in countries where free press does not exist. Supporting that mission requires legal leadership that is sophisticated, agile, and deeply grounded inboth sound judgment and organizational strategy. The General Counsel provides counsel across a broad range of issues including governance, employmentand labor matters, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, federal grant compliance, insurance, and media related legal issues. At the same time, the role extends well beyond traditional legal practice. The GeneralCounsel serves as a trusted advisor to organizational leadership, helping navigate complex questionsinvolving press freedom, censorship, reputational risk, international operations, and the rapidly evolvingexternal environment in which RFA operates. This leader will work closely with the President and executive team to ensure legal considerations areintegrated into strategic and operational decisions. They will partner with the Board of Directors ongovernance matters and serve as Corporate Secretary, ensuring the organization maintains stronggovernance practices, sound policies, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability. RFA is operating in a period of significant change and external uncertainty. Accordingly, the General Counselmust bring the judgment, resilience, and adaptability necessary to lead through ambiguity and complexity.Success in the role will require a leader who is equally comfortable serving as counselor, strategist, problem solver, and collaborator, balancing legal considerations with mission priorities and operational realities. The successful candidate will bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and will be comfortable movingseamlessly between strategic counsel and day-to-day problem solving. They will possess the agility andresilience required to operate effectively in an environment characterized by change, ambiguity, and evolvingpriorities. The General Counsel oversees relationships with outside counsel and specialized legal resources and isresponsible for ensuring that legal matters are addressed proactively, efficiently, and in a manner thatprotects both the organization and its long-term mission. They will foster trust and credibility across theenterprise through responsiveness, transparency, and a practical approach to problem solving. As a member of the senior leadership team, the General Counsel will contribute broadly to organizationalstrategy and culture, bringing a collaborative mindset, exceptional judgment, and a deep appreciation for theimportance of independent journalism and freedom of expression. Responsibilities Key Near-Term Priorities Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and senior leadership team during a period of organizationaltransformation and external uncertainty. Strengthen governance practices, legal processes, and enterprise risk management capabilities. Evaluate the use of outside counsel and specialized legal resources. Provide guidance on matters involving federal grants, labor and employment issues, international operations, and media-related legal risks. Support the continued evolution of organizational policies and practices to ensure compliance while enabling operational effectiveness. Partner closely with the Board of Directors and itscommittees to maintain strong governance and accountability. Help the organization navigate emerging legal, regulatory, and geopolitical developments affectinginternational journalism and press freedom. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Provide strategic legal counsel and enterprise-wide guidance. Serve as the chief legal advisor to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team on matters involving governance, non-profit organizations, employment and labor law,immigration, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, federal grants, insurance, and regulatorycompliance. Conduct legal research and provide practical, business-focused guidance to support organizational decision-making. Interpret U.S. laws, foreign laws, and international agreements relevant to RFA's operations and international broadcasting activities. Provide guidance regarding issues involving press freedom, censorship, libel, defamation, and other media-related matters. Advise departments across the organization on copyright and fair use, disciplinary actions, licensing, trademarks, internal policies, public statements, and litigation risk mitigation Ensure strong governance and compliance practices. Serve as Corporate Secretary and support the Board of Directors through preparation and maintenance of official records and minutes. Provide counsel regarding governance matters, conflicts of interest, and organizational policies. Oversee the review and resolution of conflict-of-interest disclosures. Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws and regulations. Provide training and guidance on matters including EEO compliance, copyright, and fair use. Oversee legal risk management and external counsel. Develop proactive strategies to identify and manage legal, regulatory, and reputational risks. Oversee insurance programs and ensure appropriate risk management practices are in place. Represent RFA in legal proceedings and coordinate legal strategy when litigation arises. Select, retain, and manage outside counsel and other specialized legal resources. Provide strategic counsel and close collaboration with Director of Journalist Safety to protect RFA employees across all safety-related matters, from risk assessment and training to field operationsand crisis response. Ensure legal matters are handled efficiently and that resources are aligned with organizational priorities. Support labor and employment matters. Partner with the Chief Operating Officer on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of collective bargaining agreements. Provide counsel on employment and workplace issues involving staff, contractors, and international personnel. Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures that foster compliance and mitigate organizational risk. Review contracts and legal agreements. Lead the review and negotiation of contracts, leases, and other legal documents. Recommend revisions and strategies to mitigate risk while supporting organizational goals. Ensure appropriate protections are incor
