General Counsel

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. At Gateway Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are principles that we embrace in every community we serve. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Location: 55 E Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604

The General Counsel will direct, plan and oversee all legal work and advise the Board of Directors and the President/CEO on all legal matters. In addition, the General Counsel will represent Gateway Foundation in all legal matters, as well as identify, organize and coordinate legal matters involving outside counsel to represent the organization in legal matters. 

GENERAL COUNSEL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops short- and long-term strategies involving Gateway’s legal functions, including but not limited to, informing senior leadership of new legislation or regulations which might impact the business, working to influence legislative and regulatory proposals which can positively affect the company’s interests or operations; and anticipates issues and estimates risks that impact the business and strategic plan goals.
• Provides legal advice and counsel, advises executive leadership team regarding the legal implications of their operational activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and represents or coordinates representation for Gateway in legal proceedings.
• Ensures Gateway operations and practices are in compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and are conducted in an ethical and professional manner consistent with our values and mission at all times and recommends changes to policies or procedures with the goal of minimizing risk.
• Develops policies, practices and procedures for the organization, and reviews all policies prior to implementation for legal compliance and risk.
• Manages all litigation matters involving the organization and its affiliates. Protect the health system and its affiliates’ rights in contract negotiations, litigation and settlements. 
• Develops and maintains required corporate documents, including articles, bylaws, policies, licenses.
• Recruits, retains, and coordinates work with external counsel as needed and directly oversees the preparation of legal documents.
• Collaborates with other members of the executive leadership team to align departmental strategy or direction with Gateway’s goals.  
• Regularly reviews contracts for accuracy and to protect the organization in its business dealings with other entities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Must be in good standing with the Illinois State Bar.  (Gateway also operates in MO, MI, WY, NJ, GA, FL, TX and the General Counsel will identify local counsel is in those states as necessary).
• 5 - 7 years of professional law experience, preferably in the area of healthcare.
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues that affect the health care community on state and federal levels.
• Ability to handle detailed, complex concepts/problems and make decisions regarding legal issues.
• Ability to manage multiple competing demands and prioritize workload.
• Ability to drive strategic direction.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills, including the ability to clearly describe complex issues.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships.
• High level of emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills; ability to make sound judgments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid work environment, based in Chicago, Illinois. Must be able to come into Chicago office twice a week
• Travel to sites across the country may be required as we operate as a national organization.

Salary Range: Minimum of $206,700 and Maximum of $289,280. There is also a discretionary annual bonus. 

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and time off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.