Vice President, Legal

BlackSky•Herndon, VA

1d•$245,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BlackSky is seeking a dynamic VP of Legal to lead a team in providing legal advice and support across all aspects of its business. This includes cutting-edge product development, U.S. and international government contracting, commercial transactions, satellite constellation operations, and platform and analytic capabilities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working directly with operations, design, and contracting teams, as well as experience with domestic and foreign customers and U.S. regulators. Experience in the space and/or defense sectors is a benefit. As a leader of the legal and contracts team, responsibilities are wide-ranging, spanning transactional and corporate matters, commercial, compliance, and more. The position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/General Counsel. While remote candidates are considered in certain states, this role involves 10% or less travel, with visits to the Herndon, VA corporate office a minimum of twice a year and potential occasional travel for international negotiations (~1x per year) when remote participation is not feasible.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree with 10+ years’ experience.
At least four years in the space or defense sectors.
At least four years with US government contracts experience at one or more top law firms, government agencies and/or in-house legal departments.
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one jurisdiction.
Strong academic credentials and the highest level of integrity and ethics.
Experience negotiating and drafting complex government and commercial contracts, especially licensing and software agreements.
Experience and the ability to manage a small team of legal and contract professionals in daily activities supporting the company’s varied business units.
Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills.
Experience reviewing, negotiating, and advising on terms and conditions of contracts.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrate an ability to balance competing priorities.
Ability to analyze, direct and recommend resolutions to highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
An active Secret Security Clearance.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Managing a team of lawyers and paraprofessionals, with a problem-solving orientation in a highly entrepreneurial / fast-paced environment
Partnering with operations, engineering, and contracting teams, as well as domestic and foreign customers.
Working directly with internal business development, products, and regulatory decision-makers and teams.
Negotiating complex strategic agreements (ideally experience with both domestic and foreign entities).
Working with data analytics or SAAS companies/products.
Substantial experience with government contracting (FAR/DFARS) and supporting U.S. Government programs.
Prior In-House experience, space or defense industry company.
Expertise with teaming arrangements and subcontract negotiations.
Experience working with NOAA, FCC and/or NASA for satellite licensing and regulation.
International contracting and negotiation experience.

Responsibilities

Responsible for managing small internal legal team; overseeing all legal functions including regulatory, export, US government and international sales, and procurement contracts.
Serve as the senior legal advisor to the General Counsel (GC) and senior leadership team on all legal matters affecting BlackSky.
Participate as an active member of BlackSky's Leadership Team. Provide counsel on legal, business, and operational matters.
Represent BlackSky's legal interests and provide assurance of strong corporate governance and overall legal well-being before the Board, regulatory agencies, and auditors.
Provide guidance on matters ranging from contract analysis and interpretation for commercial, U.S. Government, and international agreements and cost accounting compliance to corporate governance, finance, and regulatory compliance.
Monitor and counsel BlackSky on the federal and state regulatory landscape affecting the Company, which includes regulations impacting BlackSky as a U.S. Government contractor.
Lead, manage, and participate as the senior legal person, as appropriate, in SOX activities, compliance audits and investigations.
Perform risk assessments related to proposed initiatives, corporate activities and industry developments, recommending alternative courses of action to achieve business objectives while limiting liability and risk.
Negotiate, draft, and manage complex policies, contracts and commercial agreements, including licensing and software contracts and strategic partnerships/teaming arrangements.
Work with the GC on strategic corporate activities such as joint ventures and possible investments, both domestic and international.
Judge the merits of litigation filed against or on behalf of the Company; work with the appropriate executive(s) and/or outside counsel to define and manage a strategic defense.
Grow, mentor, and develop an internal legal team.
Other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life, and AD&D insurance
BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more.
401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Stock Purchase Programs
Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
Employer matching donations
Professional development
Mac or PC? Your choice!
Awesome swag