Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

10h•$209,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director and Associate General Counsel will provide legal advice in the management of all employment related matters including benefits, payroll and immigration. Provide legal advice relating to anti-discrimination laws with respect to both employee and external constituents. Act as the lead for the Legal & Business Affairs Department on ethical allegation matters, including with respect to ethical issues relating to NGS Explorers. Will be a collaborative, strategic and solutions-oriented advisor to numerous business clients regarding how these subjects influence NGS’s business strategy. This position reports to the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations.

Requirements

JD, with license to practice as an attorney in DC
12+ years law firm or in-house experience in employment law counseling.
Employment law counseling and employment litigation or dispute resolution experience required.
Demonstrated substantive knowledge of the following laws and other employment and anti-discrimination laws required: Titles II & VII, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, USERRA.
Experience conducting internal investigations and responding to employment discrimination claims required.
Superior writing and analytical skills required, and an ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law.
Ability to interface effectively with Senior Leadership, Human Resources professionals, and all levels of staff strongly required.

Nice To Haves

Conflict resolution experience preferred

Responsibilities

Legal Guidance & Negotiations : Advise Human Resources professionals, Senior Leadership and other managers on NGS policies and practices relating to local and federal employment and anti-discrimination laws, including Titles II & VII, DC law, ACA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, ERISA, ADEA, USERRA, EO 11246 as well as U.S. immigration laws. Stay abreast of and advise regarding pending legislation and developments in case law. Advise on corporate downsizings, hiring, terminations, reorganizations, discipline and other matters. Draft, negotiate and review employment contracts, severance agreements, temporary staffing agreements and independent contractor agreements. Advise on and manage outside counsel with respect to benefits agreements and international employment law issues. (50%)
Claims Management : Manage employment-related claims including those brought under the Society's Alternative Dispute Resolution program and keep program current with developing law. Work with and manage outside counsel and work with mediators, human resources and business units to present best case on behalf of Society for threatened and filed claims, including development of successful strategy and resolution of potential cases. Respond to subpoenas. Review and respond to EEOC and other agency charges of employment discrimination. Represent Society in mediations and arbitrations. (15%)
Investigations : Conduct internal investigations and report to relevant decisionmakers relating to ethical complaints and other violations of organizational policies as directed by the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations and Chief Legal Officer. Manage outside counsel as needed in certain investigations as directed by the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations and Chief Legal Officer. Provide confidential reporting as required regarding investigations. (20%)
Ethics : Act as the lead for the Legal & Business Affairs Department on ethical allegations matters. Responsible for development, adjustment, training, compliance and enforcement of NGS Code of Ethics. Educate managers and staff on Code of Ethics and other training programs. Review, respond and resolve ethical concerns raised by Society employees and third parties. Escalate where appropriate. (15%)

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
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 a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks