Corporate Counsel

Kampgrounds Of America, Inc.•Billings, MT

About The Position

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to join its Legal Department. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Corporate Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor to company leadership and provides legal guidance on business transactions, corporate and regulatory compliance, litigation, risk management, franchise support, and organizational matters. The role supports a company with more than 500 locations in the United States and Canada and manages diverse legal responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. The position may be based at KOA’s Home Office in Billings, Montana, or be remote. It involves approximately 10% travel to company locations, events, and legal seminars. The role may require attention to urgent legal matters outside standard business hours and calls for independent work alongside strong communication with internal stakeholders. KOA describes its mission as connecting people to the outdoors and each other. The company seeks to foster community and belonging, an inclusive and supportive environment, diversity of thought and experience, and access to the outdoors. The job is performed in an office environment and involves frequent in-person interaction with KOA employees. The position is subject to KOA’s stated state-based hiring restrictions and KOA does not sponsor visas.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active bar license; Montana bar license preferred.
At least 5 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house.
Demonstrated expertise in contract review and negotiation.
Strong background in litigation management or litigation support.
Proven experience with insurance management, including coverage analysis and claims handling.
Substantive employment law experience.
General knowledge of corporate law matters and business operations.
Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Exceptional communication skills and ability to explain legal concepts to business audiences.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and a keyboard and to lift and carry a laptop and other small items weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to perform work involving prolonged computer screen and artificial-light exposure, repetitive motion, standing, bending, sitting, lifting, and walking short distances.
May need to drive to KOA locations, other directed locations, and conferences, with the visual and physical demands of driving in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Nice To Haves

Franchising experience and familiarity with franchise regulations, including the FTC Franchise Rule and state franchise laws.
Liquor licensing and compliance experience, including support for campground alcohol sales across multiple jurisdictions.
Familiarity with Montana business law and regulations.
Project management experience.
Experience working as in-house counsel.
Experience managing litigation and working with outside counsel.
Interest in outdoor hospitality and recreation, such as camping, RVing, or glamping.
Montana bar license.

Responsibilities

Review, draft, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts, including franchise, vendor, service, and operational agreements.
Manage litigation matters, coordinate with outside counsel, assist with discovery, and develop litigation strategies to protect company interests.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; identify legal risks; and implement mitigation strategies across business operations.
Assist with maintenance and expansion of the company’s trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios, including enforcement when necessary.
Oversee company insurance programs, claims management, and policy reviews, and coordinate with insurance carriers, managers, and panel counsel.
Advise on employment and human resources matters, including employment litigation, employee relations, investigations, wage and hour issues, ADA and FMLA matters, policies, and compliance.
Advise on and assist with employment-related policies and training programs aligned with company culture and values.
Support the Executive Team on corporate governance in the United States and Canada and compliance for KOA and its subsidiaries, including liquor licensing.
Advise and support franchise-related legal matters and ensure compliance with franchise agreements.
Conduct legal research and provide written and oral legal opinions to business units.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, or activities as assigned.