Director and Associate General Counsel

How You’ll Contribute

The Legal and Business Affairs (LBA) team assists the organization in its business endeavors by providing business advice, support with contract drafting and support with litigation.

On behalf of the National Geographic Society (“NGS”), the Director & Associate General Counsel (“DAGC”) is responsible for legal and contract matters supporting NGS’s Advancement division. Within the scope of NGS’s Advancement work, the DAGC is the primary representative in the Legal & Business Affairs (LBA) Department managing the legal aspects of the direct marketing fundraising initiatives and bequests and trusts. Additionally, the DAGC has primary responsibility for the LBA Department for managing compliance work associated with the implementation of federal grants. The DAGC also provides contract negotiation and legal guidance for other NGS needs as assigned. In addition, the DAGC advises on claims and litigation that may arise in any of these subject matter areas as needed. The DAGC will be a collaborative, strategic and solutions-oriented advisor to business clients in keeping with NGS’ business strategy. This position reports to the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel & Anti-corruption Compliance Officer (“VPSAGC”).

 

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Advancement Legal & Contract Support: Under the supervision of the VPSAGC, serve as legal and contract advisor to Advancement Division which leads all of NGS' philanthropic and fundraising efforts.  Draft and negotiate sponsorship agreements, fundraising contracts, commercial co-venture arrangements, and contracts supporting NGS live events.  Manage charitable solicitation registrations. Support VPSAGC in drafting and negotiation of agreements with corporate partners, foundations and other donors as needed. (45%)

• Bequest and Trust Legal Support: The DAGC manages all legal aspects of NGS’ portfolio of bequests and trusts in collaboration with the NGS Advancement and Finance teams. The DAGC communicates with external attorneys, donors, financial institutions, executors, and accountants to properly administer and comply with all NGS procedures and legal requirements pertaining to wills and trusts; advise on planned giving vehicles such as charitable gift annuities, as needed. (15%)

• Federal Award Compliance, Guidance & Training: The DAGC serves as the LBA lead for guidance regarding compliance with all official regulations and guidelines (e.g., Uniform Grant Guidance, IRS requirements) as they relate to NGS’s awards funded from federal sources. The DAGC is responsible for conducting and managing award-related assessments and monitoring plans. The DAGC provides guidance on cost allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and accuracy, and  advises on the closeout procedures for federal awards. In cooperation with the Finance team, the DAGC responds to audits involving federal awards. The DAGC maintains and updates policies, procedures, and other documentation regarding proper operational management in compliance with relevant guidance and regulations. As needed, the DAGC creates materials and conducts tutorials for training NGS staff on federal grant compliance matters. (15%)

• Other Contract Negotiation and Legal Guidance: The DAGC handles other contract negotiations and provides guidance on routine legal matters to other departments as assigned by the VSAGC and Chief Legal Officer. (20%)

• Litigation and Claims Management:  The DAGC coordinates as needed with outside legal counsel on legal claims and litigation matters for areas within the subject matter portfolio of the DAGC. The DAGC monitors legal counsel’s work and resulting service payments and confirms satisfactory resolution is achieved. (5%)

 

What You’ll Bring

Educational background

JD, with license to practice as an attorney in DC

 

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

6-8 years relevant legal experience, including experience in the areas of contract negotiation and providing legal guidance to all levels of staff, and advising on compliance matters.
 

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex business contracts and similar documents

• Familiarity with legal issues relating to tax-exempt organizations, including with respect to unrelated business income tax, corporate sponsorships, fundraising, commercial co-ventures (CCVs)

• Knowledge of OMB Uniform Grant Guidance; familiarity with all federal award reporting documentation methods

• Experience with intellectual property and brand licensing arrangements, in the fundraising context

• Superior writing and analytical skills

• Ability to meet designated deadlines

• Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and be able to handle sensitive materials

• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of staff

 

Desired Qualification

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively interface well with internal and external clients in a highly professional manner

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

• Adroit at quickly and effectively mastering the fundamentals of different areas of law, as needed

• ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law

 

Supervision

No direct reports

 

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.