Associate General Counsel

Overview

Requisition Number: R0002444

Organization Overview

The National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.

Summary

Provides legal advice and assistance for the corporate organization (National Academy of Sciences, which includes the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Research Council) on a range of legal issues and policy matters. Handles a variety of routine to complex legal projects. Leads or provides legal research to support the National Academies’ internal and/or external activities and interests. Drafts and reviews legal documents. Provides legal interpretation to National Academies’ management and staff in connection with National Academies’ legal and related business issues.

Requiring in-depth legal knowledge, the incumbent performs work intellectual and analytical in nature, handling complex legal matters that impact the objectives and operating results of the organization. Serves as an expert resource to staff on legal issues. Collaborates and works closely with the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel. Responsible for mentoring and coaching paralegal staff and assisting with problem resolution.

Responsibilities

Counsel and Advice:

• Provides advice and counsel on personnel and employment matters, employee benefits, federal and state labor and workplace laws and regulations, and intellectual property matters, including trademark and copyright issues.
• Supervises and manages the work of outside counsel on these matters.
• Provides legal advice regarding contract issues and the National Academies’ ownership, licensing, or leasing of property.
• Advises the Office of Contracts and Grants and the Procurement Office on public contract law and negotiation and interpretation of government contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, as well as other public and private awards.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to program and financial managers on institutional issues, including tax reporting, intellectual property, insurance, and security matters.
• Oversees compliance with Section 15 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and regulations regarding classified and sensitive but unclassified information.
• Provides legal guidance on the Freedom of Information Act, national security statutes and regulations, the Privacy Act, and government agencies’ rules on the release of information.
• Drafts and negotiates nondisclosure agreements to ensure compliance with institutional policies under Section 15 of FACA.
• Drafts Section 15 determinations.
• Advises on intellectual property matters, including copyright and trademark.
• Drafts licenses and permissions for intellectual property use.

Legal Research and Representation:

• Assists in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing leases, subleases, and contracts.
• Analyzes contracts and other legal documents to protect institutional interests.
• Develops uniform templates for certain contract and grant matters.
• Drafts and recommends modifications as needed.
• Conducts legal research and analysis.
• Reviews and prepares legal reports.
• Coordinates and supervises outside attorneys on specific matters as required.
• Oversees and manages annual charitable solicitation registrations.

Collaboration:

• Develops and sustains relationships across the organization and with external constituents (e.g., volunteers and sponsors) to share expertise.
• Recommends and develops ways to strengthen collaboration at the Academies.
• Fosters an environment that values knowledge sharing across program and administrative groups and broad participation in consensus-building.

Confidentiality:

• Maintains strict confidentiality when handling privileged, sensitive, or confidential information.
• Ensures compliance with institutional policies on secure storage, disposal, and transmission of confidential information.
• Establishes procedures to maintain and protect confidentiality and prevent unauthorized disclosure.
• Trains and updates staff/members on confidentiality issues periodically.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks applicable to government contractors and the non-profit sector.
• Ability to collaborate within a complex organizational structure and with outside counsel.
• Strong ability to manage privileged, sensitive, and confidential information.
• Problem-solving skills for intellectual challenges of substantial variety and complexity.
• Ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent judgment and action.
• Team-oriented mindset and ability to work successfully in a collaborative environment.

Education/Training Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate.

Experience:

• Six years of related professional experience.

Licenses, Certification, or Registration:

• Admission to the District of Columbia Bar.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of the stated minimum, requires prior approval from the Office of Human Resources.

Other Details

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:

• Reports to General Counsel. General direction is provided.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid office/telecommute environment; expected onsite percentage: 40%.
• Periodic increases in workload and deadlines may require additional onsite presence.
• Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site locations.
• Some business travel outside the DMV area may be required.

Compensation Range:
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in compensation programs.

An estimated compensation range for this position is $126,880 – $198,250. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions, and subject to budget parameters.

Note: It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.

This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive options, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits (e.g., paid holidays, personal leave), transportation subsidies, and education assistance.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies are committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote employees without discrimination based on race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

The institution also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

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