Role: Chief Legal Officer (Volunteer, Board of Directors)

Location: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings during the festival season

Term: Two Years from Appointment | Volunteer Position (No Compensation)

About Us

Silicon Valley PRIDE is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. It all started back in 1975 as a gay rights rally and evolved into the San Jose Pride Festival in 1976. The following year, 1977 San Jose added its first parade to the celebration. As a non-profit, we rely on volunteers and community partnerships to bring our mission to life. This year, we’re looking for a passionate and dynamic Chief Legal Officer to join our team and help us enhance the festival experience.

Mission Statement

To create safer spaces and advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to thrive through organizing and sponsoring year-round events and programming.

Position Overview

The Chief Legal Officer is a key volunteer leadership role within the Silicon Valley PRIDE. This key leadership role will oversee all legal matters related to the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, guiding the board on legal strategy, and protecting the organization’s assets and reputation. The CLO will work closely with the executive team to advise on matters including governance, contracts, intellectual property, and risk management with a particular focus on maintaining a positive and legally sound environment for the organization’s mission and work.

This is a volunteer position, ideal for someone passionate about the LGBTQ+ community, the arts, and event planning. This role will work closely with the Finance & Operations Team, performers, and community partners to deliver an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Key Responsibilities

Provide expert legal advice to the Board of Directors and senior leadership team on a wide range of legal issues, including governance, nonprofit law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Review and advise on the legal structure of the organization, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations, tax laws, and charitable giving requirements.
Support the Board in ensuring that all organizational activities and policies comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and nonprofit regulations.
Ensure the organization maintains its status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing, including overseeing tax filings and necessary reporting requirements. Risk Management & Contracts
Oversee the review, negotiation, and drafting of contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to festival production, sponsorships, vendor relationships, and other external partnerships.
Ensure appropriate legal protections are in place for festival attendees, volunteers, and staff, including waivers, liability protections, and insurance.
Advise on strategies for managing legal risks, including intellectual property protections (trademarks, copyrights), public relations, and social media legal concerns.
Manage any disputes or legal claims that may arise, working with external counsel as needed. Advocacy & Community Engagement
Advise the Board and leadership on legal implications of advocacy efforts, particularly around LGBTQ+ civil rights, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
Ensure the organization’s policies, events, and messaging are in alignment with both legal standards and the values of the LGBTQ+ community.
Collaborate with legal organizations, advocacy groups, and allies to stay current on developments in LGBTQ+ law and social justice issues. Board and Leadership Collaboration
Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Board on legal matters impacting strategic decisions, fundraising, and organizational growth.
Contribute to Board discussions on key issues related to risk management, compliance, and organizational health.
Provide regular updates to the Board on legal developments, potential risks, and opportunities.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, preferred but not required
Active bar membership and in good standing, preferred but not required
Significant experience in nonprofit law, corporate governance, and risk management. Experience in LGBTQ+ legal issues is strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of nonprofit regulations, tax-exempt status, and fundraising law.
Proven ability to advise on complex legal issues, negotiate contracts, and manage legal risks.
Experience working with a Board of Directors in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex legal matters to non-legal stakeholders.
Passion for LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, and community engagement.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people and organizations. Why Volunteer with Us?
Make an Impact: Play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and celebratory space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Build Relationships: Connect with diverse vendors, partners, and community members, expanding your professional and personal network.
Gain Experience: Build valuable skills in event management, vendor relations, and nonprofit operations while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Join a Passionate Team: Work alongside a dedicated and diverse team of volunteers who are committed to making the festival a success.

How to Apply

If you're excited about the opportunity to lead the vendor experience for Silicon Valley PRIDE and be part of a transformative 2SLGBTQ+ cultural event, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume and apply via https://linktr.ee/svpride For questions about the role, please contact info@svpride.com