General Counsel

NCInnovation, Inc. (“NCI”) is a Research Triangle Park, NC-based 501(c)(3) created to accelerate the commercialization and scale of innovative research from North Carolina universities. Backed by more than $25 million in corporate commitments, NCI is building the partnerships, organizational, and grant management capabilities to leverage a $500 million State-funded endowment to support regional innovation networks and provide applied research funding and commercialization support services to position North Carolina as first-in-the-country in innovation.

Job Summary

Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel shall have overall responsibility for the organization’s legal matters, to include general corporate law and contracts; public policy and legislative affairs; risk management, compliance, and regulatory affairs; and providing counsel to management and the organization’s Board of Directors and Committees. The General Counsel will serve as the organization’s risk, ethics, and compliance oversight.

Requirements

The General Counsel must be well organized, flexible, and enjoy the challenges of working in a dynamic organization; must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion; and able to interact with stakeholders at all levels in a fast-paced environment while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient. The General Counsel will participate in a cooperative work environment while demonstrating the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. Requires a proven ability to develop and leverage partnerships and relationships; expert written and verbal communication skills; independent decision making; exceptional time management; and proactive attention to detail.

Responsibilities

General Corporate Law

• Provide legal counsel and guidance to the organization’s Officers and Directors on all legal matters, ensuring NCI operates with the highest levels of accountability, transparency, and in accordance with its authorizing legislation at all times
• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, leases, engagement letters, grant agreements and awards, vendor agreements, and related legal instruments
• Develop and execute the organization’s legal strategy, and represent NCI in all legal proceedings
• Work with outside counsel as needed on technical, regulatory compliance, human resource, and other matters requiring external advisor support
• File and maintain all required business and non-profit licenses, permits, and related forms as required by law

Public Policy and Legislative Affairs

• Provide leadership and counsel regarding key legislative and public affairs matters
• Liaise with government relations teams and provide direction on overall government affairs strategies and tactics
• Remain abreast of state and national policy developments affecting the organization’s mission and activities

Risk Management, Compliance, and Reporting

• Provide primary risk, ethics, and compliance oversight for the organization, ensuring enterprise risks are assessed, mitigated, and monitored in a coordinated manner
• Provide counsel on and have primary responsibility for potential conflicts of interest and adherence to the organization’s related policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law and Public Records Act, and coordinate with the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer regarding all requests for public records
• Liaise with outside advisors and provide direction to NCI staff to ensure the organization is compliant with all activities and reporting as required by law
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of all periodic updates and reports to Officers, Directors, or oversight organizations as requested or required by law

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and American Bar Association-accredited law degree
• Active membership in the North Carolina State Bar
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience, including but not limited to experience in local, state, and/or federal government policymaking and legislative affairs, regulatory compliance, or related roles
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Comp & Benefits

NCI offers competitive compensation based on experience, to include a comprehensive benefit package with flexible paid time off; employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability; and a 401(k) plan