Sr. Legal Counsel

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Legal Counsel based out of our National Center office located in Dallas, TX!

This position will work in a hybrid setting (in office approximately 1-2 days a week and as needed) in our Dallas, TX. office.

Under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel, this attorney will function primarily as legal support to the Association’s “American Heart Association Ventures” group and work on the various venture funds and related projects. Legal matters span across deal structuring and execution (equity and debt financings as well as other investments and grantmaking), diligence collaboration agreements, structuring and documenting strategic initiatives; IP and innovation licensing, and other activities.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, our focus on work-life harmonization, and our Guiding Values. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

As with other members of the legal team, this position will work closely with multiple departments and entities in the Association’s group of entities, such as Finance, HR, Business Technology, and Communications.

The successful candidate will be a fast learning, creative problem solving, relationship developing, professional who appreciates having a worthy mission to support through various delivery models.

Professional License/Specialized Training

• Licensed to practice law without restriction in Texas (other jurisdictions may be considered)
• Eight (8) years of related experience as an attorney in venture capital investing, including deep experience in contract drafting, negotiation and reviewing skills with working knowledge of venture capital investing, intellectual property, regulatory compliance issues related to investing in health-related businesses, startup corporate structuring and governance, legal diligence related to private investments
• Deep understanding of the healthcare field, and especially familiarity with compliance and regulatory issues at least at a level where handling internal and external subject matter experts on these topics will be effective
• Experience leading outside counsel in a variety of legal matters, especially with venture capital investing and startup formation transactions

Qualifications

• Able to shift quickly between substantive issues and work with a broad range of personalities under short time constraints in this exciting and stimulating role
• Creative thought partner in ways of best achieving the Association’s “Ventures” organizational goals while ensuring compliance with the greater Association’s requirements
• Experienced negotiator around venture capital, partnerships and healthcare transactions, which may be with healthcare institutions, venture capital firms, banks, and others in the finance field, as well as with healthcare institutions, such as healthcare systems, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, and entrepreneurial startup organizations
• Understand key venture investing trends and best practices and similar knowledge of venture studio company collaborations, formation and spin-outs
• Support, direct and oversee local counsel and other subject matter experts across multiple jurisdictions
• Exemplary legal writing, presentation, problem solving/analytic skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and dynamically with other attorneys, in-house and out, and a full range of staff from across the Association
• Ability to digest complex material into easily consumed content for non-legal staff and deliver training and informational presentations
• Well-organized and attentive to details, including administrative tasks
• Ability to travel up to 25% local and overnight stay

Preferred Experience:

• Working understanding of US IRS regulations and guidance for 501(c)(3) public charities to be able to deliver general legal support to the Association’s enterprise, including its for-profit subsidiary entities, venture capital investing and other ventures
• Experience supervising non-lawyers, law students, and junior lawyers
• Experience with startup companies and “Newco” formation, as well as capitalization/equity considerations in new company formation
• Experience with business structures and “corporate veil” issues among related entities
• Experience with intellectual property rights/rights in data licensing agreements
• Experience with commercial contracts with at least one party as a tax-exempt entity

Compensation & Benefits

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  
  
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases, based on the type of position.
  
  
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. HeartU is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  
  
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the AHA will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. We're committed to ensuring our workforce, workplace culture and mission have a shared impact across a diverse set of backgrounds.

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In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

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