Director & Associate General Counsel, Operations, Museum, Technology

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal and Business Affairs team provides strategic, practical, and timely legal and business advice and support to all Society divisions. The Director and Associate General Counsel provides legal support for the operational aspects of the Museum of Exploration, the Society’s reimagined headquarters, which includes an expanded museum, public spaces, and immersive experiences set to open in 2026. The primary subject areas are supplier, technology, and human resources issues. The role includes providing legal advice, negotiating contracts, and addressing emergent issues, and may also provide broader support to operational divisions such as Campus & Experiences, Human Resources, and Technology. A growth mindset and enthusiasm for tackling unexpected issues are key requirements. The position reports to the Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities, and Operations, and works closely with team members including the Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics. It has no direct reports. The position is hybrid, with staff required to work at Base Camp on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

JD and license to practice as an attorney in DC.
At least 6 years of relevant legal experience, including experience in the described business areas.
Experience negotiating contracts and providing legal guidance to staff at all levels.
Experience advising on employment policies, employee investigations, leave and accommodation management, and overtime and FLSA compliance.
Skill in drafting and negotiating supplier contracts.
Strong understanding of technology and data governance.
Superior writing and analytical skills, with the ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of law.
Ability to interface effectively with staff at all levels.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for professional interactions with internal and external clients.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to meet designated deadlines.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and handle sensitive materials.

Nice To Haves

A growth mindset and flexibility to tackle unexpected issues or develop skills in new legal areas as they emerge.

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, and manage supplier contracts, including consulting, project management, and outsourced services contracts.
Provide ongoing legal support and guidance to the NGS Facilities team.
Negotiate contracts with technology suppliers and professionals.
Resolve privacy questions and handle privacy operational matters.
Advise on AI adoption and usage.
Advise on leave and accommodation management.
Draft and negotiate staffing agreements and review independent contractor arrangements.
Draft and negotiate vendor contracts for Human Resources.
Support or lead employment or ethics investigations.
Handle other legal matters as needed.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Wellness program.
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment.
Flexible paid time off, including up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated) and 10 days of sick leave.
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31, subject to role requirements.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
Fertility benefits.
Learning and development opportunities.
Lifestyle Spending Account.
Pet adoption assistance and insurance.
Pre-tax transportation benefits with an employer subsidy.
Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit.
National Geographic discounts and perks.