General Counsel
The General Counsel will serve as a champion for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s (“JALC”) core values, assess individual and organizational risks, work collaboratively with management and the Board of Directors, and promote an organizational culture that prioritizes ethical leadership and decision-making. The General Counsel will stay abreast of activities across JALC and evaluate this information to understand and anticipate potential legal impacts on the organization. The role is based in New York, NY and reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
- Reports directly to the Executive Director, with frequent interface with the Board of Directors
- Provides advice on legal issues to the Board of Directors and to all levels of management and staff of the organization
- Serves as a key strategic advisor and thought partner to the rest of the leadership team on critical business initiatives
- Champions the importance of legal, regulatory and ethical practices organization-wide
- Directs and manages all organization legal functions to protect the organization’s interests and minimize legal risk
- Establishes best-in-class legal processes, guidelines and training and rolls them out throughout the organization
- Leads the defense of the organization in lawsuits and the prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of the organization against others
- Has primary responsibility for managing and negotiating complex commercial agreements, including those related to rentals, intellectual property, licensing, distribution, and more
- Has primarily legal responsibility for union negotiations and contracts
- Reviews corporate, tax and other key organizational documents for compliance with legal requirements, and ensures they remain current with applicable laws and regulations
- Manages a team of one other legal professional
- Manages outside legal counsel
- Other duties as necessary or assigned
Qualifications
The successful candidate will likely be an experienced General Counsel or legal leader with a blend of experience in for-profit and non-profit organizations, ideally having built a legal department and team previously. They will have an understanding of legal issues including, but not limited to, intellectual property, licensing and distribution, rentals, federal tax exemption, corporate governance, contracts, labor and employment, litigation and related disciplines. They will have the experience, interpersonal acumen, and gravitas to lead within an organization of JALC’s scale, complexity, and reach, and to establish credibility and trust with the Board. Additionally, they will bring a strategic drive balanced with a grounding in best practices and the highest standards for quality. It will be essential that the successful candidate has a genuine passion for music.
In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:
• Ability to collaborate across divisions, functions, and geography, with a knack for engaging colleagues at all levels in projects and processes while continuing to own and drive them
• Strong commitment to and understanding of multiculturism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The ability to nurture a culture of ethics, integrity, responsibility, and accountability across the organization
• An individual who seeks data and input from others to foresee possible threats or unintended circumstances from decisions; someone who sets a balanced and appropriate tone regarding taking potential risks
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization
• The ability to develop and implement best practices, including around structures and processes, within an organization of JALC’s scale and stature
• Excellent advisory skills to counsel leadership on strategic decision-making and to help align the full organization around the importance of legal matters
• Comfort with ambiguity; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations; the ability to persevere in the face of challenges and exhibit a steadfast resolve and commitment to high standards
• A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization
• A leader who is self-reflective and aware of his/her own limitations; leads by example and drives the organization's performance with an attitude of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and self-improvement
• The ability to naturally connect and build strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively; an excellent developer of people
• An ability to inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence, powerful charisma, passion in his/her beliefs, and active drive
• Superb oral and written communication skills
• Exudes passion for JALC’s mission and work
Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.
This position will be on-site 5 days a week.
