General Counsel

The Water Quality Association (WQA), a mission-driven nonprofit organization operating accredited certification programs, laboratory and testing services, and standards-related activities in a highly regulated environment, is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as its in-house legal and compliance leader. This executive-level role provides strategic legal counsel to the CEO, Executive and Leadership Teams, and WQA's Board of Directors, Board of Governors, officers, and committees. This is a part-time position anticipated to require approximately 24 hours per week, offering flexibility while maintaining a significant strategic leadership role within the organization.

As a member of the Executive Team, the General Counsel ensures legal and regulatory compliance across the association while enabling WQA to advance its mission and member services in a complex domestic and international environment.

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Key Responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal advisor to executive leadership and governance bodies on association law, compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Provide legal guidance on product and professional certification programs, research and laboratory operations, standards‑making, government relations, and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including IT, employment, events, real estate, certification, laboratory, and vendor agreements.
• Oversee compliance with antitrust, ethics, conflict of interest, consumer protection, employee safety, and internal governance requirements.
• Manage intellectual property matters (trademarks, copyrights) and oversee litigation strategy and outside counsel.
• Develop and maintain legal policies, procedures, and SOPs; deliver annual legal and compliance training.
• Partner with the Executive Team on budget, insurance, operational, and organizational matters.

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Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school, an excellent academic record, and active bar membership.
• 5–8+ years of sophisticated legal practice advising organizations on complex legal and regulatory matters; nonprofit or trade association experience preferred.
• Knowledge of association operations, certification and standards‑making, compliance, and governance.
• Experience with international matters, government relations, and financial policies and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills and strong ethical judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide practical, business‑focused legal advice.

Join WQA and play a pivotal role in supporting a mission‑driven international association advancing water quality worldwide.

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How to Apply

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