VP & Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property & Artificial Intelligence

Job Description The American Bankers Association (ABA) seeks an experienced, strategic, and business‑focused attorney to serve as Vice President & Senior Counsel within the Office of General Counsel. The role will lead critical legal programs across the organization, including intellectual property strategy, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology governance, and legal risk management, while co‑leading and supporting the contracting function. Key Responsibilities Partner with the SVP of Contracts to lead ABA’s contracting strategy, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of complex and high‑value agreements, including software licenses, data agreements, consulting contracts, NDAs, MOUs, and collaboration agreements. Establish and maintain contracting frameworks, templates, risk standards, and governance workflows, and direct legal review of vendor onboarding regarding IP ownership, data security, and regulatory compliance. Protect and manage ABA’s trademark portfolio, including clearance, registration, enforcement, licensing, and the development of IP governance frameworks and internal policies. Serve as primary legal advisor on technology, digital projects, AI initiatives, software licensing, and data‑related legal issues; identify and assess legal risks related to third‑party technology use, data licensing, and IP ownership. Drive ABA’s enterprise AI and technology legal strategy, establishing policies and risk standards, and set internal guidelines for compliance with digital and technology‑related legal frameworks. Provide legal counseling, research, and strategic analysis to senior leadership and business teams on IP, privacy, AI, and data rights issues; conduct legal research on emerging technologies and regulatory developments impacting the banking sector. Lead cross‑functional legal coordination with IT, communications, policy, and member engagement teams to advance ABA’s strategic initiatives; direct legal strategy for cybersecurity, fintech, digital banking, and innovation. Required Qualifications Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar. Minimum of 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including 5+ years in a law firm or in‑house legal department, focused on intellectual property, technology transactions, or commercial contracting. Experience managing an end‑to‑end legal contracts function with high‑volume portfolio of commercial, technology, and corporate agreements. Experience advising stakeholders on legal, IP, privacy, and regulatory risks in commercial and technology transactions. Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and deliver legal training programs for business teams on contracts, compliance, IP, privacy, and regulatory requirements. Strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills. Ability to travel (less than 10%). Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated ability to lead legal programs, develop policies, and drive cross‑functional initiatives. Experience drafting and negotiating software licenses, data use agreements, and vendor contracts. Experience with U.S. intellectual property law, including trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection. Experience owning and directing IP or technology programs. Familiarity with legal issues related to cloud computing, software licensing, AI, and digital content. Experience advising senior executives and shaping organizational legal risk strategy. Excellent public speaking, verbal, and written communication skills. Experience developing, implementing, or managing enterprise governance frameworks such as IP governance, AI governance, data governance, technology risk programs, or compliance frameworks. Target compensation: $245,000 – $260,000 annually. Salary band range: $175,280 – $245,420 – $315,560. American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr ABA - American Bankers Association