Position Summary
The Government and Legal Affairs Senior Counsel as the organization's primary liaison to federal, state, and local governmental bodies, and supports the organization's legal, risk management, and compliance functions. This senior role develops and executes legislative advocacy strategies, cultivates relationships with elected officials and regulatory agencies, manages outside legal counsel, and ensures the organization operates within applicable laws and regulations. The position also advises the executive team and board on policy developments, regulatory changes, and legal matters that affect organizational strategy and operations.
Key Responsibilities
Government Affairs & Legislative Advocacy
- Develop, implement, and lead the organization's comprehensive government affairs strategy at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments that may affect the organization's mission, operations, and stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, their staff, regulatory agencies, and other government stakeholders. Represent the organization before legislative committees, regulatory bodies, and government agencies; prepare and deliver testimony as required.
- Draft and review position papers, policy briefs, public comment letters, and legislative proposals.
- Coordinate with coalitions, trade associations, and advocacy groups to advance shared policy objectives.
- Lead political action and grassroots engagement efforts in compliance with applicable law.
Legal Affairs & Compliance
- Support the General Counsel in managing legal matters affecting the organization, including contracts, employment law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.
- Select, direct, and manage relationships with outside legal counsel; review and approve legal invoices and budgets.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across organizational functions.
- Ensure organization-wide compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts, MOUs, agreements, and other legal documents.
- Maintain and update organizational policies and procedures to reflect changes in law and best practices.
- Support management of the Company’s intellectual property, including but not limited to, best practices for protection of intellectual property and confidential information,
- At the direction of the General Counsel, advise the Board of Directors on legal and governance matters; support board committees as assigned.
Executive Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.
- Provide counsel and briefings to the CEO, executive team, and board on government affairs and legal issues.
- As the department grows, assist the General Counsel in building and leading a high-performing team; manage staff, contractors, and interns.
- Work with the General Counsel on developing and managing the department budget; track expenditures against approved allocations.
- Collaborate with communications, finance, program, and development teams to ensure policy and legal alignment.
Qualifications
Required
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar admission in good standing ; admission in another state considered with commitment to obtain state admission).
- Minimum 5years of progressively responsible experience in legal role. Preference given for individual with experience in governmental affairs/legislative advocacy, experience in legal and regulatory compliance, and experience in intellectual property management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful advocacy campaigns and managing legal risk for an organization.
- Contract drafting and contract negotiation, and working on compliance program management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering legislative testimony and executive briefings.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse political, governmental, and community stakeholders.
Preferred
- Experience in tech/energy policy and regulation.
- Existing relationships with state legislative leaders and/or federal agency officials. Familiarity with lobbying registration and reporting requirements at state and federal levels.
Pay: $185,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
