At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.
Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.
OVERVIEW
The General Legal Counsel serves as Esalen Institute’s primary legal officer and primary legal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors. This role is responsible for providing strategic, practical, and mission-aligned legal guidance across the organization while safeguarding Esalen’s legal integrity, governance standards, and long-term sustainability. The General Legal Counsel plays a critical role in enabling organizational effectiveness by managing risk thoughtfully rather than defensively and ensuring compliance without impeding innovation or mission delivery. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the legal advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all legal, regulatory, and governance matters.Provide proactive, solution-oriented legal counsel across all organizational functions, including operations, human resources, finance, programming, contracts, partnerships, and risk management.Draft, review, negotiate, and oversee a broad range of legal agreements, including vendor and service contracts, faculty agreements, licensing and sponsorship agreements, waivers, releases, NDAs, and partnership arrangements.Ensure organizational compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including nonprofit governance, employment and labor law, health and safety, privacy, and reporting obligations.Partner closely with Human Resources to advise on employment-related matters, including policy development, investigations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and terminations, with an emphasis on fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.Support and strengthen governance practices, including Board and committee operations, bylaws, corporate filings, policies, and adherence to nonprofit best practices.Manage relationships with outside counsel and specialized advisors, ensuring appropriate use, cost discipline, and alignment with organizational priorities.Identify, assess, and manage legal and operational risk across the organization, providing clear recommendations that balance legal exposure with Esalen’s mission, values, and operational realities.Advise on real estate, land use, environmental, and regulatory matters related to Esalen’s campus and long-term stewardship obligations.Collaborate with leadership to develop, review, and implement organizational policies and procedures that promote accountability, ethical conduct, and operational clarity.Contribute to strategic planning and organizational decision-making by identifying legal implications of new initiatives, programs, partnerships, and revenue models.Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and discretion.Approach all legal matters with a pragmatic, business-minded perspective focused with a North Star to maintaining Esalen’s mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in California.7–10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex legal matters rather than narrow task execution.Significant experience in nonprofit, mission-driven, or values-based organizations, or equivalent in-house experience where legal advice directly supported executive decision-making.Demonstrated expertise in core in-house domains, including:Nonprofit governance and complianceContract drafting and negotiationEmployment and labor lawRisk assessment and mitigationRegulatory compliance. Proven ability to advise senior leadership and boards, translating legal risk into clear, practical options rather than abstract legal theory.Strong business and operational judgment, with a track record of enabling progress while protecting the organization. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority and deliver difficult guidance clearly and constructively. High ethical standards, discretion, and emotional intelligence, particularly when navigating sensitive personnel, governance, or reputational matters. Ability to operate independently as the organization’s primary legal authority, setting priorities, managing workload, and knowing when to escalate or engage outside counsel.
FLEXIBILITY
Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit for extended periods, engage in sustained computer-based work, participate in meetings, and occasionally navigate Esalen’s campus, including uneven terrain.
COMPENSATION
This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
