General Counsel

Overview

Are you driven to make a meaningful impact and help others? You belong here! As USAC continues to support universal service impacting health care providers, educators, and consumers, it is critical now more than ever that we hire people equally passionate and committed to helping fulfill our mission. We are currently seeking an experienced, dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as a Vice President and General Counsel within our Office of General Counsel.

Reporting to the USAC CEO you will be responsible for all legal matters affecting USAC and its divisions; advising USAC management and staff concerning the administration of the Universal Service Fund and the Universal Service Programs, FCC regulations and directives; and other applicable laws and regulations.

This position will be a key member of USAC’s leadership team with primary responsibility for directing legal affairs and providing advice on legal and strategic issues to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Working in a creative and fast-paced environment, the VP and General Counsel will advise the CEO on USAC corporate affairs, participate in USAC-wide strategic and operational planning, and provide support in furtherance of the overall effectiveness of the organization. The primary duties also include advice and counsel on corporate legal issues, review of contracts, employment matters, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, litigation and other legal matters as appropriate. In addition, this position will also assist the Human Resources Division in the administration of USAC’s employee ethics programs.

Among others, your responsibilities will include the following:

• Counsel the CEO, Board of Directors and the programmatic divisions of USAC concerning legal matters. Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws affecting USAC operations. Identify issues, anticipate potential legal issues and propose solutions to complex situations to include raising difficult legal and operational concerns
• Identify issues that require FCC guidance and raising such issues with FCC staff in a timely and appropriate manner. Oversight and management of USAC’s interaction with the FCC.
• Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with key FCC staff. Oversee all written and oral communications with the FCC. Oversee and manage the preparation of quality issue papers for Committee, Subcommittee and Board meetings.
• Communication with the Board, Board Committees and Subcommittees and manage these communications with the CEO. Apprise the Executive Committee and other program committees and Board members of all significant programmatic or operational issues.
• Perform human resource management activities for the Legal Department, including: identifying performance problems, within the Legal Department developing plans for remedial action, evaluating performance, and interviewing and selecting staff for the Legal Department.
• Manage division budget and outside resources. Establish corporate legal goals and driving results and performance. Drive and support both divisional and corporate-wide strategic objectives and initiatives
• Guide the establishment of an appropriate corporate culture, integrity, continuous improvement and excellence in legal service.

About You

We are looking for a Vice President and General Counsel who can:

• Plan and Align - Offer a comprehensive and exacting picture of goals
• Communicate Effectively - Actively promote and consistently drive a free flow of information across all levels of the organization
• Customer Focus - Champion the needs of our stakeholders and energize the people around them to provide outstanding service.
• Collaborate - Support an environment where people feel able to express themselves with honesty

In addition candidates must have:

• Master Degree and advanced relevant technical training.
• Eleven (11) years of directly related experience.
• Eight (8) years of management and business leadership experience.
• Possess Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university. Admitted to the bar.
• Expertise in federal communications and telecommunications law.
• Broad-based legal experience, including experience with risk assessment, and public policy.
• Highly developed relationship-building skills to foster effective working relations across USAC, key customers, stakeholders and with the Senior Leadership team.
• Experience managing other attorneys and supervising support staff in a corporation; experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources.
• High level tactical and strategic experience with demonstrated success in developing and executing on highly visible and sensitive organizational initiatives.
• Ability to articulate legal positions and strategies concisely and quickly, in a professional manner that is useful and easily understood by the client.
• Extensive and practical experience working with and advising a board of directors.
• Knowledge of general corporate, litigation, intellectual property and employment laws.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, verbal and written communication skills, as well as experience dealing with people at all levels inside and outside of an organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

About USAC

Why Work Here?

Our mission to achieve universal service addresses America’s current critical needs to build out broadband capabilities for telehealth, online learning, and keeping families connected. Join us and help USAC accomplish our mission to bridge the digital divide. Through its administration of the $10 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) programs on behalf of the FCC, USAC works to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates and to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation. Additional information on USF programs can be found at: https://www.usac.org/about/

Benefits

USAC supports our employees well beyond their salary with a system of benefits that rivals the top organizations in the country. Simply put: if you are committed to improving the lives of others, we are committed to improving yours. USAC provides low-premium, top-of-the-line medical, dental, and vision insurance in addition to disability and life coverage. Generous 401k contribution, Federal and floating holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time that increases every year. Regular telework schedule and opportunities to take professional development courses and training.

A Multicultural Team

We have actively built an organization that doesn’t just celebrate our diversity; we depend on it. The challenges of achieving universal service require creative and unique perspectives. Our accepting and inclusive community will challenge you to grow and learn from others while always recognizing the value of your contribution.

USAC is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. All offers of employment with USAC are conditioned on completing and passing a background and reference check and certification of vaccination against COVID-19. USAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Only principals will be accepted. No agencies please.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, click the “Apply For This Job Online” button.

USAC employees are passionate about our mission. Our work contributes to the success of all Americans. We’ve worked together to build a culture that is collaborative, ambitious, outcome-oriented, and feedback-focused.