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How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission: to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries, and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

Within NGS, the Science & Innovation team is a department that oversees the Society’s grantmaking efforts in science, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Over the last twelve years, Pristine Seas, National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program has helped to inspire the protection of 26 of the last wild places in the ocean, encompassing more than 6 million square kilometers of ocean. We are seeking a Director & Associate General Counsel (“DAGC”) to support and scale our approach over the next decade to inspire the protection of up to 40 new places. Additionally, we aim to cultivate and expand a network of best-in-class partners to build a community of support for protected areas.

The DAGC is responsible for legal and contract matters supporting NGS programmatic areas with a primary focus on NGS's Pristine Seas group. Within the scope of NGS’s Pristine Seas work, the DAGC is the primary representative in the Legal & Business Affairs (LBA) Department managing all legal aspects of the initiative. The DAGC also provides contract negotiation and legal guidance for other Programmatic groups, as assigned. The DAGC will be a collaborative, strategic and solutions-oriented advisor to business clients in keeping with NGS’s business strategy. This position reports to the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel Programs and Intellectual Property (“VPSAGC”).

Your Impact

Pristine Seas Legal & Contract Support (75%)

• Under the supervision of the VPSAGC, serve as legal and contract advisor to this initiative. 
• Review contracts generated for each expedition drafted by the Manager, Business Operations, Pristine Sea to engage scientists, expedition members, media support contractors, and health and safety contractors,
• The DAGC is also responsible for permitting assistance and the creation of Memorandum of Understandings with host countries to allow the expedition to take place and to share results with the host country to encourage the creation of marine protected areas.
• Lastly, the DAGC is also responsible for review and/or drafting of cooperation agreements and Memorandum of Understanding with third parties to extend the impact of the Pristine Seas initiative.

NGS Programmatic Legal & Contract Support  (25%)

• Provide legal support for other programmatic initiatives
• Provides guidance on routine legal matters to other departments as assigned by the VSAGC and Chief Legal Officer.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

• JD, with license to practice as an attorney in DC

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 6-8 years relevant legal experience, including experience in the areas of contract negotiation and providing legal guidance to all levels of staff, and advising on compliance matters.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex business contracts and similar documents.
• Familiarity with legal issues relating to tax-exempt organizations, including support of for-profit activities to amplify NGS’s mission
• Adroit at quickly and effectively mastering the fundamentals of different areas of law, as needed.
• Law degree required.
• Superior writing and analytical skills required, and an ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of staff strongly required.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively interface well with internal and external clients in a highly professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple demands from multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Ability to meet designated deadlines is also a critical qualification.
• Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and be able to handle sensitive materials.

Supervision

No direct reports.

Salary Information

As a leading nonprofit organization, National Geographic Society offers competitive salary and total rewards to attract, develop, and retain an innovative and dynamic workforce.

The salary range for this position starts at $180,000.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Wednesday plus either Tuesday or Thursday. Because we recognize that we can effectively work remotely, this designation has been updated to provide more flexibility, both in the days staff choose to come into the office and how often they are expected to be at Base Camp. And of course, Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if they prefer.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.