Vice President, General Counsel (Bethesda)

The attorney in this position will be responsible for a varied global portfolio and provide legal support and advice to Auberge’s Executive, Finance, Development, Sales & Marketing, Operations, and Talent & Culture teams - largely providing support for the home office, with occasional property-level support. This role will allow the executive leadership team to focus on strategic business priorities, leveraging the expertise of this individual. The primary focus will be to support our growth and ability to scale the platform, inclusive of mitigating material risk and providing meaningful advice.

This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer and provide guidance to the executive leadership team. This role is based out of our Bethesda, Maryland home office and it is not remote eligible.

Responsibilities

• Oversee outside counsel in all active legal situations, including with respect to compliance, employment and litigation matters, allowing for reduction in cost and improved efficiency
• Oversee and manage the body of our existing agreements as well as play a key role in the negotiation of future property related agreements, including:
  • Letters of intent
  • Hotel management agreements
  • Technical services agreements
  • Branding and licensing agreements
  • Subordination and non-disturbance agreements
  • Rental management agreements
  • HOA management agreements
  • Club management agreements
  • Residential association and governing documents
• Provide legal support and strategic guidance for operational matters and on a wide range of issues spanning Auberge’s relationships with guests, groups, owners, vendors, employees, etc.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to establish compliance policies and best practices, including assistance in preventing litigation (e.g., high‑profile guest and team member situations, team member relations, etc.)
• Oversight of and engagement in contract review and negotiation

Ancillary Support

• Provide departmental leaders in Operations, IT, Finance, Talent & Culture and S&M with legal guidance (e.g., marketing materials and oversight of outside trademark counsel)
• Identify relevant issues and coordinate with colleagues across the business on intellectual property, tax, data privacy and cybersecurity matters
• Participate in projects on an as‑needed basis

Qualifications

• Commercially minded corporate lawyer with strong business acumen
• Experience in complex contract negotiations combined with the capability of supporting litigation, employment, and trademark matters as well as other areas of the business as needed
• Proven contract drafting and negotiating skills in a leadership role
• Excellent academic record with a law degree from a well‑regarded law school
• Minimum of 8 years legal experience in a well‑regarded law firm or comparable corporate environment; preferably within the hospitality segment
• Active Bar membership
• Ability to budget and manage outside counsel spend effectively
• Ability to think creatively and to identify and analyze issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason
• Ability to tackle novel and cutting‑edge issues with an entrepreneurial approach while managing risk
• Collaborate and work effectively with senior leaders in the company
• Excellent judgment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent conflict management skills
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and to facilitate the implementation of creative solutions
• Ability to be agile and work independently to take ownership of and effectively resolve problems
• Flexibility for occasional travel

The Vice President, General Counsel role offers a base salary range of $230‑255k plus an annual bonus as well as comprehensivemedical, dental, vision and voluntary benefits, 401k employer match, employer paid life insurance and an employee assistance program and a team member hotel stay program.

Company Description

Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 30 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. Please visit aubergeresorts.com to learn more about our Collection.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Auberge Resorts LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Auberge Resorts LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Auberge Resorts LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.