General Counsel

ATCC; Gaithersburg (MD); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a General Counsel to lead its legal function and provide strategic legal advice. This remote role requires extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management, particularly in the context of biological materials. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organization from legal risks while ensuring compliance with complex regulations. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting global health and scientific research, where your expertise will contribute to impactful advancements in the life sciences.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution

403(b) retirement plan with match

Paid Holidays and PTO

Fitness and cell phone subsidies

Employee Assistance Program

Corporate bonus program

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in corporate governance and compliance.
• Strong background in corporate law and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on business matters including contracts and litigation.
• Oversee compliance with laws and manage relationships with outside counsel.

Skills

Corporate Governance

Compliance

Risk Management

Legal Drafting

Negotiation Skills

Strategic Thinking

Interpersonal Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

General Counsel

Job Locations

US-VA-Manassas | US-MD-Gaithersburg

Role Type

remote

Department

Leadership

Job ID

2025-3919

Overview

Ready to shape the future of science and global health? ATCC, a leading nonprofit biological resources and standards organization, is seeking a General Counsel to oversee our organization's legal function. As the primary legal counsel, you will represent our organization and serve as a key member of the senior management team, providing expert legal advice and strategy. This is a remote role that requires prior experience navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding the acquisition, transfer, and use of biological materials.

Join ATCC and be part of a team that supports the global scientific community with trusted, authenticated biological materials.

#LI-Remote

Responsibilities

Legal Counsel: Provide legal counsel and advice for the organization on various business matters, including commercial and government contracts, litigation, liability, and insurance. This includes identifying potential legal risks, developing mitigation strategies, and advising the executive team and Board of Directors on legal issues and risks pertaining to the organization. Interpret legal documents and assist in preparing responses to confidential and sensitive inquiries. Protect the organization from legal action and manage its legal defense.
• Legal Operations and Compliance: Develop functional plans for managing legal matters, including activities to be performed in-house or through outside counsel to best manage legal activities and minimize risk for the organization. Oversee relationships with outside legal counsel, including management of legal fees. Develop and institute program guidelines, new and improved policies, procedures, and processes to ensure efficient legal operations. Ensure compliance with all related and applicable international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including import/export regulatory compliance. This involves monitoring compliance programs and implementing necessary procedures to ensure the legal and safe transfer of biological materials.
• Corporate Governance: Manage and advise on corporate governance, business development transactions, law compliance, general transaction support, licensing agreements, employment law, regulatory matters, risk management, and general contract management. Supervise the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide variety of agreements including confidentiality, material transfer, intellectual property-related matters with domestic and international parties including clients, partners, vendors, and government agencies. This includes agreements related to the transfer of biological materials. Provide oversight and leadership for all legal needs of the company across business functions.
• Legal Documentation and Communication: Responsible for writing legal briefs, in-house communication, and other legal paperwork.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 12 or more years of experience required.
• Extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Proven experience as a legal counsel with a strong background in corporate law, commercial contracts, employment law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and specifically supporting the transfer of biological materials.
• Proven track record of managing legal operations and developing functional plans.
• Strong background in commercial and government contracts, employment and labor law, litigation, liability, and insurance.
• Experience in managing relationships with outside legal counsel.
• Excellent drafting, review, and negotiation skills for a wide variety of agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including writing legal briefs, in-house communication, and other legal paperwork.
• Ability to provide proactive legal guidance and advice to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
• Understanding of research and development processes, particularly in relation to the transfer of biological materials, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Benefits

We Invest in You

• Health & Wellness:
  • Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance & AD&D
  • Work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO
  • Fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as Aflac, legal services, and pet insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling
• Financial security:
  • 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans
  • Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards
  • Corporate bonus program
• Mission Focused:
  • Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research
  • We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives
  • Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission-focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating a century of supporting global public health. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Shape the future of science with us.