Director & Associate General Counsel (Programs)

How You’ll Contribute

The Legal and Business Affairs team provides strategic, practical and timely legal and business advice and support to all Society divisions in support of our mission.

The National Geographic Society (“NGS”) invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission: to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries, and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

Within NGS, the Science & Innovation team is a department that oversees the Society’s grantmaking efforts in science, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations. Over the last fifteen years, Pristine Seas, National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program has helped to inspire the protection of 31 of the last wild places in the ocean. We are seeking a Director & Associate General Counsel (“DAGC”) to support and scale our approach over the next phase of the program.

The DAGC is responsible for legal and contract matters supporting NGS programmatic areas with a primary focus on NGS's Pristine Seas group. The DAGC also provides contract negotiation and legal guidance for other programmatic groups, as assigned. The DAGC will be a collaborative, strategic and solutions-oriented advisor to business clients in keeping with NGS’s business strategy. This position reports to the Senior Director & Associate General Counsel (“SDAGC”) responsible for programs, intellectual property and anti-corruption compliance.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Pristine Seas Legal & Contract Support (75%)

• Under the supervision of the SDAGC, serve as legal advisor to the program, including reviewing all consulting services agreements, independent contractor agreements, grant agreements and other third-party agreements.

• Draft and review memoranda of understanding with host countries and third parties to extend the impact of Pristine Seas.

NGS Programmatic Legal & Contract Support (25%)

• Provide legal support for other programmatic initiatives and guidance on routine legal matters to other departments as assigned by the SDAGC.

Educational Background

JD with license to practice as an attorney in DC.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

6+ years of relevant legal experience, including in the businesses described above and providing legal guidance to all levels of staff.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

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

• Familiarity with legal issues relating to tax-exempt organizations, including support of for-profit activities to amplify NGS’s mission

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, sound judgment and relevant experience.

Desired Qualifications

• 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 and ability to work independently

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail required

• Ability to meet designated deadlines is also a critical qualification

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

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $171,000.00 - $180,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.