The Signals Network Inc. Legal Director Remote · Full time

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About The Signals Network

The Signals Network (TSN) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting whistleblowers who have shared public interest information with the press and public. In 2023, we received over 100 requests for support and provided direct support to 45 clients. Founded in 2017 by journalists, whistleblowers, lawyers and entrepreneurs, TSN operates internationally to hold powerful interests accountable.

Unlike many organizations that focus solely on legal aid or policy work, we provide tailored, end-to-end support for whistleblowers, addressing their legal, security, and personal needs throughout their journey. We maintain a trusted network of partners and resources or allowing us to support clients across borders and industries. In 2023, two-thirds of clients were from the U.S. and the rest from Europe, Africa and Asia. 48% of clients worked in the tech sector.

Leveraging our vast network of media connections and serving as a key resource for journalists, The Signals Network plays a pivotal role in amplifying whistleblower revelations and spurring impact stemming from whistleblower-driven investigative journalism by bridging the gap between courageous whistleblowers and impactful journalism. We support publication of major investigations centered on our clients’ disclosures through media in the U.S. and across Europe, working with publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, ProPublica, Le Monde, BBC, and Der Spiegel.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: 
• Serves as a member of TSN’s leadership team
• Contribute to development and implementation of TSN’s short-term and long-term organizational goals and strategy
• Support the development team in building new and cultivating current funding streams by contributing to grant proposals, meeting with donors, etc.
• Act as a spokesperson for TSN, participating in events, published communications, etc. to position TSN as a leader in whistleblower protection and advance whistleblower protection support globally
• Whistleblower Protection Program (WPP):
• Oversee the process for vetting, selecting, and supporting client needs in collaboration with TSN’s leadership team and the TSN Board Engagement Committee
• Manage TSN’s client intake process, assessing the legal risks and support services available to each client and reviewing the legal implications of their disclosures
• Develop and implement legal strategies to protect whistleblowers, at times coordinating with local counsel in relevant jurisdictions
• Develop program benchmarks and standards for reporting, accountability, and measuring impact, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff
• In collaboration with TSN’s leadership team:
• Collaborate with media partners, ensuring compliance with journalistic source protection laws and mitigating legal risks associated with public disclosures
• Coordinate and oversee pro bono support services for whistleblowers, and manage relationships with pro bono partners
• Program Development: 
• Oversee orientation, training, and evaluation of program staff 
• Work with the Chief of Staff to develop and maintain a robust legal fellow and intern program, staffing at least one of each annually 
• Collaborate with TSN team and partners to develop new legal resources for workers and whistleblowers
• Expand our network of legal experts, digital security experts, psychosocial experts, temporary safe housing options, and further career support options within countries where we are already operational and beyond
• Legal:
• Manage organizational legal risks and ensure compliance across international jurisdictions
• Stay updated on relevant legislation and regulatory developments
• Collaborate with external counsel to provide guidance on privacy, data protection, and whistleblower laws
• Draft and review contracts, policies, and legal documents, in collaboration with external counsel

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
•  Current member in good standing of a state bar association
• Minimum of four years legal experience, including direct client support 
• Demonstrated commitment to TSN’s mission, including the importance of whistleblower-driven investigative journalism
• Exceptional track record of working collaboratively with a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive relationships with individuals
• Strong time management and organizational skills 
• Sound professional judgment 

Preferred:

• Experience in whistleblowing, media law, employment law, or qui tam actions
• Deep knowledge of media landscape in the U.S. and Europe
• Strong understanding of press freedom/whistleblowing issues
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and/or experience working in a pro bono legal services organization 
• Experience developing working relationships across legal, media, and/or social services sectors

Location

Remote work. Willing to travel up to 20% to provide in-person client support, attend relevant professional conferences, and otherwise engage with in-person activities on behalf of TSN. Team is currently located on the East Coast and in Europe. Eastern time zone is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, TSN offers a benefits package that includes monthly healthcare and technology stipends, generous vacation and holiday time (25 PTO, 6 sick leave, and 13 holidays), and reimbursement of attorney license and state bar association fees. All new employees are offered a $1,600 stipend to equip a remote work environment.