Temporary Assistant General Counsel

NPR•Washington, DC

6d•Remote

About The Position

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR. Intro to position NPR seeks an attorney with 7 to 10 years of transactional experience to join the Commercial Contracts & Network Relations team within the Office of the General Counsel. The attorney in this role will support NPR on matters relating to the development, acquisition and distribution of programming, the inbound licensing of content, business affairs and strategic transactions, marketing and consumer products, the sponsorship and production of live events, media sales and purchase agreements; facilities and operations agreements, and managing and supporting NPR’s contractual, business and strategic relationship with its 240+ Member stations. The lawyer who joins our team will help NPR embrace business opportunities while balancing risk and supporting compliance with NPR’s nonprofit status. We are seeking a versatile lawyer with a commitment to client service, practical business judgment, and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships both internally and externally. An ability to manage multiple projects, set and adjust priorities, work under pressure, and maintain composure and a sense of humor while doing so is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience handling contractual and legal matters in the media and/or entertainment fields and a passion for the important work of NPR and public media. Application Instructions: A resume and cover letter are required. Your cover letter must be 1-2 pages long and should specifically address your interest in - and relevant experience in - supporting public media or other nonprofit organizations, and what attracts you to this temporary position.

Requirements

Membership in good standing in (or eligibility to waive into) the District of Columbia bar
At least 7 years of experience practicing law as a transactional attorney at a law firm and/or as part of an in-house legal team
Strong contract drafting, interpretation, analysis and negotiation skills
The ability to analyze complex legal issues, and complex and sophisticated commercial contracts, and effectively communicate that analysis to internal stakeholders
Experience handling contractual and legal matters in one or more of the following areas: content licensing and distribution; marketing and consumer products; the sponsorship and production of live events; mergers and acquisitions; strategic transactions
An orientation toward collaboration and client service; strong client relations skills
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to both legal and non-legal professionals
Proven ability to work under pressure, managing multiple projects and setting and adjusting priorities as needed, while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail and keeping the “big picture” in mind
Experience managing a high volume of complex, deadline-driven projects, and providing high-level business and legal advice and risk mitigation strategies to key internal stakeholders
Sound judgment, a strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and a creative, collaborative and business-oriented approach to problem-solving
J.D. from an accredited law school is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a media and/or entertainment company, or a network organization
Experience handling contractual and legal matters in ad sales and media buying; shared services; and facilities and operations
Working knowledge of nonprofit tax law and/or experience representing tax-exempt organizations
Trademark, copyright and music licensing experience
Experience advising internal clients on business and legal issues at early stages of projects

Responsibilities

Review, draft, negotiate and advise on complex agreements relating to NPR-produced programming, licensed programming, and new programming initiatives, including a variety of agreements relating to the development, production, distribution and licensing of content for broadcast, satellite, podcast and digital distribution
Provide advice and counsel with respect to rights and obligations under existing content licensing and distribution agreements, and manage the renewal, renegotiation and maintenance of such agreements
Review, draft and negotiate various agreements in support of NPR’s live events, including corporate sponsorship and brand partnership agreements, ad sales and media buy agreements, music licensing agreements, venue agreements, waivers and releases, and various vendor and production services agreements
Review, draft and negotiate a variety of other commercial contracts, including marketing and consumer products agreements, co-production agreements, producer, writer, and talent agreements, consultant, service provider and vendor agreements, and facilities and operations agreements
Advise legal and business colleagues on a broad range of related subjects, including trademark and copyright law, digital media law, consumer-facing disclosures, data privacy, and structuring transactions in a nonprofit context
Review, draft, review and negotiate agreements with NPR’s Member stations, and counsel NPR’s Member Partnership division on various contractual, legal, business, and strategic matters.
Support the continuous improvement of standard form agreements and legal processes
Manage risk and support compliance with nonprofit tax law and regulatory requirements
Lead and direct the work of others, including supervising and mentoring junior attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, interns, and outside counsel
Cultivate, support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and an inclusive and equitable workplace culture
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

Benefits

NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents.
Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options.
Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being.
Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees.

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