Assistant General Counsel, Board Affairs

Position Title :

Assistant General Counsel, Board Affairs

Department :

Office of the Chief Legal Officer

Corporate Area :

Office of the Chief Legal Officer

Status :

Regular, Full time Exempt

Manager Title :

VP & Deputy General Counsel

Position Overview :

The Assistant General Counsel position within PBS's Board Affairs team presents a unique opportunity to work closely with the Secretaries of the PBS and PBS Foundation (PBSF) Boards of Directors, advise on corporate governance matters and legal requirements pertaining to nonprofit membership organizations, and negotiate complex corporate transactions.

The successful candidate will have proven governance-related experience and a demonstrated interest in working in a fast-paced, collegial, mission-driven organization.

The successful candidate will also have strong oral and written communications skills, the ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues at all levels, the ability to problem solve, and a commitment to providing excellent service to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, working with the Corporate Secretaries to :

• Advise senior staff, Board liaisons, and directors in support of an informed and engaged Board of Directors
• Manage the Board Affairs workplan and the schedule of internal deadlines
• Oversee the PBS Board elections process
• Support orientation and ongoing education for PBS Board and PBSF Board members
• Working with Board committee liaisons, provide comprehensive support for the PBS and PBSF Boards and all committees. Work includes drafting agendas, minutes, correspondence, issue papers, Board policies, and other related documents
• Maintain and update corporate governance documents for PBS, PBS Foundation, and PBS's subsidiaries
• Working directly with internal clients, negotiate and draft a variety of contracts
• Establish strong working relationships with colleagues within the Board Affairs team and the Office of the Chief Legal Officer, PBS and PBSF executives, other colleagues, and Board members
• Work effectively with other departments to plan meetings of the Boards of Directors and committees
• Advise Corporate Secretary on compliance with Board-related Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Manage implementation of PBS's internal Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Maintain an ongoing working knowledge of nonprofit governance laws
• Liaise with and supervise outside counsel regarding governance issues
• Supervise and manage OCLO team supporting board affairs matters
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements for success :

• At least 10 years' relevant corporate governance experience in a law firm and / or in-house board affairs team, with in-house experience in a national nonprofit environment preferred.
• Ability to establish credibility with Board members and senior management and demonstrated ability to work well with colleagues at every level.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and analyze and make recommendations on complex and sensitive matters.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts, including proven ability to assess and advise internal clients on mitigating risk in commercial transactions.
• Demonstrated success with problem solving in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• J.D. and strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school and Bar admission and eligible for admission as full bar member or as corporate counsel in Virginia.
• Must live within commuting distance of PBS's Arlington, VA headquarters.

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.