Senior Open Source Counsel - Anaconda

Explore open positions using our handy search tool below.

Be at the center of AI

About Anaconda: Python is one of the world’s most popular programming languages, and Anaconda is the Python company. With over 47 million users, Anaconda is the most widely-used system for building in Python and has become the foundational operating system for AI. Working in Anaconda, users can access critical open-source Python packages in a proprietary, secure, and highly efficient environment, making it a must-have tool for anyone working with data and building for AI.

The Role: Anaconda seeks a Senior Open Source Counsel to lead legal strategy around open source licensing, intellectual property protection, and community engagement. This role reports to the Head of Commercial Legal or the Head of Product Legal (depending on candidate’s skillset) and is a fully remote opportunity, offering a fantastic opportunity to be an integral member of a small, rapidly scaling legal function of high impact.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the company’s internal expert on open source licensing, requirements, regulations, and policy.
• Develop and execute patent strategy and product protection initiatives while simultaneously balancing the priorities of our open source initiatives.
• Provide legal guidance on product development and open source community relations, including licensing, policy, and compliance.
• Bring a seasoned perspective and deep networking on open source policy and community issues, shaping Anaconda’s approach in this space and with influential community and policy groups.
• Flex across various legal needs of a high-growth company, including engaging in contracts negotiation, product counseling, AI advising, and IP asset management and working closely with our marketing, community relations, and similar teams, based on background and interest.
• Establish scalable legal processes and track key operational and business metrics.
• Mentor and train internal teams on open source legal frameworks and best practices.
• Act as an internal and external expert strategic business partner, advising leadership on legal matters critical to growth and innovation.

What You Need:

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school and license to practice in an applicable jurisdiction.
• Multiple years relevant legal experience, including multiple years of progressive responsibility in the in-house context.
• Seasoned open source attorney with expertise in open source legal issues, including the relationship between open source and licensing and IP protection.
• Deep and demonstrable engagement with open source issues and open source communities or initiatives.
• Ability to operate as an individual contributor with the scrappy mentality needed to succeed in a high-growth company.
• A defined point of view on, and high proficiency experience with, issues systemic to data flows and data science, the rise of LLMs, and broader AI-related legal and compliance issues.
• Prior experience at a company with strong open source foundations.
• Passion for Anaconda’s mission and role in the open source community.
• Strong operational mindset with a focus on process improvement and measurable impact.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, ideally within a startup or with a demonstrated ability to adapt to rapid change.

The US base salary range for this role is $250,000 to $350,000 base + bonus + equity + benefits, though this position’s salary will adjust to the individual candidate given the unique nature of the role. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

Anaconda is an Equal Opportunity Employer.