General Counsel

Internet2 is a non-profit, member-driven advanced research and higher education technology community. Founded in 1996, Internet2 provides and delivers mission-critical technology services and programs. Internet2's core infrastructure components include the nation's largest and fastest network, cloud and security services that are influenced, customized, and designed to address the unique needs of technology leaders in research and education. Internet2 serves and supports U.S. and international institutions, government agencies, regional and state education networks, leading industry providers, and national research and education network partners across more than 100 countries. Internet2 services and programs support their educational, research and community service mission and enhance how individuals communicate, collaborate, and innovate.

Internet2 has over 125 employees with the corporate office in Ann Arbor, MI. Internet2 also has offices located in Washington, D.C., Denver, CO, and Newport, RI.

Position Summary

Internet2 is looking for an experienced, thoughtful, and mission-driven individual who would like to make an impact and be part of a strategic management team by serving as the Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (collectively VP-GC-CS) of Internet2.

The VP-GC-CS primarily serves as a trusted advisor to the Internet2 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Trustees on a wide range of matters including corporate governance, legal services, rules of ethics, risk mitigation, policy development, and government relations. The VP-GC-CS supervises two departments within Internet2—Legal Services and Government Relations—serving as the top executive of these departments and managing each department’s budget, staffing, projects, and resources. The VP-GC-CS has management responsibilities to help Internet2 achieve its corporate objectives. The VP-GC-CS regularly interacts with the executive leadership team, Internet2 staff, Internet2 members, and the broader Research and Education Community. Travel is expected 10 – 20% of the year. This is a fully remote position.

Responsibilities

Serve as the top legal advisor for the Company.

Oversee the preparation and execution of all contracts. Negotiate terms, ensure legal compliance, and set official contract strategies.

Provide sound legal advice on all issues affecting the existing and future business, including development of legal strategies to support business initiatives and appropriately mitigate exposure to risk.

Lead and build the legal team in support of our strategic plan and meet business objectives.

Ensure that Company legal matters are handled in a manner that protects the Company’s position in the marketplace and its reputation with customers, the general public, and the government and its regulatory agencies. Coordinate efforts with peers and internal teams accordingly.

Ensure that Company complies with federal, state, and local laws and regulations

Maintain insurance policies

Develop corporate policies

Advise CEO and Board of Trustees on corporate governance matters, including revising bylaws and drafting resolutions

Develop Board agendas and produce Board related materials

Serve as the lead staff advisor to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees

Lead the Government Relations team regarding matters that affect public policy, including developing policy positions

Advocate public policy positions before federal officials

Monitor federal legislation

Participate in third party advocacy efforts

Contribute to Internet2 by working collaboratively with all levels of the organization

Qualifications

Law degree from a U.S. accredited law school

Admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia or other jurisdiction, as applicable

Fifteen or more years of experience practicing law

Ten or more years of experience leading and managing staff or major projects

Executive-level experience working in risk mitigation, legal, complex business transactions, corporate governance, government relations, employee relations, budgeting, and strategic planning

Executive-level experience working with boards of trustees

Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills

Strong leadership and problem-solving skills

Excellent interpersonal communications skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Significant knowledge working in non-profit organizations, technology companies, or educational institutions.

Special expertise in key areas of the law including telecommunications, privacy, intellectual property and/or transactions

Experience with international contracting

Experience working with and managing outside counsel

Experience drafting legal memos, legal agreements, and/or corporate policies

Experience responding to government inquiries

Internet2 is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.