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Foundation Counsel

Cummings Foundation
Woburn, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/18/2025

Ready to trade billable hours for a leadership role in a nonprofit foundation with a rewarding philanthropic mission? Rare in-house opening exists for an experienced, entrepreneurial, forward-thinking attorney to join a team of dedicated professionals at one of the largest private operating foundations in New England. With more than $4 billion in net assets, Cummings Foundation owns and operates an extensive portfolio of commercial real estate as well as two not-for-profit senior living communities. It also maintains significant partnerships with numerous undergraduate and graduate colleges and universities. Through its annual grant program, it has awarded grants totaling nearly $600 million to greater Boston nonprofits.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include:

Program Support & Compliance

  • Manage legal aspects of grantmaking, governance, and compliance, and safeguard the Foundation’s interests.
  • Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including grant agreements and governance documents.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Monitor and liaise with Foundation affiliates and operating entities.
  • Work with accountants and tax preparers on annual tax filings, including Form 990 expenditure reporting.
  • Oversee matters involving the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence.
  • Help develop and implement policies and procedures for a private grant-making foundation and private operating foundation.

General Legal & Business Support

  • Develop and implement legal strategies to advance the Foundation’s philanthropic goals and to deliver on its purpose, including through a stewardship trust.
  • Advise on matters of corporate structure and organization.
  • Engage in gift planning for transfers from funders to the Foundation.
  • Assist and advise on projects throughout the Cummings organization.
  • Recommend and implement continuous improvements to work processes to achieve efficiencies within and outside of the legal function.
  • Represent Cummings Foundation, as needed, at meetings and events
  • Perform other duties and provide assistance as requested by Cummings’ executive team.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

  • JD degree (Master’s in Taxation a plus).
  • Member in good standing of the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Knowledge of tax law and compliance for private foundations.
  • Clear, concise written and oral communication skills, including contract drafting and negotiating.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate comfortably with senior leaders.
  • Exceptional judgment, organization, and attention to detail.
  • Roll-up-your-sleeves self-starter, and can-do mindset.
  • Ability to balance process and decision-making in an organization with an entrepreneurial culture and an efficient, interactive operating environment.
  • Ability to work at our Woburn headquarters (full-time, in person). This is not a remote or hybrid position.

About Cummings:

Cummings Properties has a long history of giving back to the community. The large majority of its buildings are owned by Cummings Foundation, its philanthropic affiliate, with all rental profits benefiting greater Boston nonprofits. Learn more at www.cummings.com/about/giving-back.

In addition to unlimited career advancement and growth potential, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:

  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Paid holiday, vacation, sick, and personal time
  • Cummings Properties Employee Ownership Trust
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Competitive compensation and opportunities for bonuses
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous Company match
  • Charitable gift match up to $2,000, plus the opportunity to direct an additional $2,000 in Company funds to a local nonprofit of your choice

To Apply: Please send a resume and letter of interest to jkv@cummings.com.

Cummings Properties is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In the interest of the safety and health of our employees and clients, we maintain a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in regards to prohibited drug use and alcohol or marijuana abuse.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $175,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $175,000 - $225,000

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