Corporate Counsel, Board Affairs

PBS • Arlington, VA

7d

About The Position

The Corporate Counsel position on PBS’s Board Affairs team works closely with the Secretaries of the PBS and PBS Foundation (PBSF) Boards of Directors. The role advises on corporate governance matters and legal requirements for nonprofit membership organizations and negotiates complex corporate transactions. The successful candidate will bring governance-related experience and an interest in working in a fast-paced, collegial, mission-driven organization, along with strong communication skills, collaborative relationship-building abilities, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellent stakeholder service.

The Corporate Counsel supports the PBS and PBSF Boards and their committees, maintains governance records and documents, and advises on Board-related compliance matters. The role also liaises with outside counsel, supervises staff supporting Board Affairs matters, and negotiates and drafts contracts with internal clients. The position is regular, full-time, and exempt, and reports to the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary. The employee must live within commuting distance of PBS’s Arlington, Virginia headquarters.

The expected base pay range at the beginning of employment is $170,000–$180,000 per year. Actual pay may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other individualized factors. Eligible employees may also receive discretionary bonuses and other compensation and benefits.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant corporate governance experience in a law firm and/or in-house Board Affairs team.
• Ability to establish credibility with Board members and senior management and work well with colleagues at every level.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and analyze complex and sensitive matters and make recommendations.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts, including assessing and advising internal clients on mitigating risk in commercial transactions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• J.D. and strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Bar admission and eligibility for admission as a full bar member or as corporate counsel in Virginia.
• Must live within commuting distance of PBS’s Arlington, Virginia headquarters.

Nice To Haves

• In-house experience in a national nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise senior staff, Board liaisons, and directors in support of an informed and engaged Board of Directors.
• Manage the Board Affairs workplan and schedule of internal deadlines.
• Oversee the PBS Board elections process.
• Support orientation and ongoing education for PBS Board and PBSF Board members.
• Work with Board committee liaisons to provide comprehensive support for the PBS and PBSF Boards and all committees, including drafting agendas, minutes, correspondence, issue papers, Board policies, and related documents.
• Maintain and update corporate governance documents for PBS, PBS Foundation, and PBS subsidiaries.
• Maintain corporate governance records, Board and committee minutes, and official histories to ensure regulatory compliance and continuity of corporate memory.
• Establish strong working relationships with the Board Affairs team, the Office of the Chief Legal Officer, PBS and PBSF executives, other colleagues, and Board members.
• Work with other departments to plan Board of Directors and committee meetings.
• Advise the Corporate Secretary on compliance with the 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 the Office of the Chief Legal Officer team supporting Board Affairs matters.
• Work directly with internal clients to negotiate and draft a variety of contracts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligibility for discretionary bonuses.
• Insurance options including medical, dental, vision, hearing, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
• Identity protection program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Financial and retirement savings benefits, including the PBS Retirement Plan 403(b).
• Paid time off: 17 days per year.
• Paid sick time: 12 days per year.
• Paid parental leave: 60 days (12 weeks).
• Paid holidays: 12 days per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree