Board & Legal Affairs Manager

About the Role

The Board and Legal Affairs Manager supports the Corporate Secretary in board governance and administration and serves as the legal advisor to executive leadership, overseeing a portfolio that ranges from animal welfare regulations to non-profit corporate governance. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and entails managing clerical and administrative functions related to corporate governance. The role demands exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with Board members and staff throughout the Aquarium.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain corporate and Board records required by the bylaws.
• Create, maintain, and enter information into the board database BoardEffect.
• Write, edit, and maintain board correspondence, agendas, reports, resolutions, contracts, policies, and various company documents.
• Organize, plan, and coordinate board and board committee meetings.
• Post events and news relevant to the Board of Directors in BoardEffect.
• Take, draft, and maintain minutes at board meetings.
• Track board-related accomplishments and attendance.
• Build conflict of interest forms in DocuSign and track fulfillment.
• Respond to board requests.
• Ensure strict adherence to federal and state laws regarding wildlife and not-for-profit institutions.
• Oversee compliance with aquarium-specific accreditation standards (e.g., AZA) and municipal permits for facility operations.
• Monitor organization’s compliance with state and federal lobbying laws.
• Draft and review organizational policies and procedures with legal implications, such as fundraising and donor agreements.
• Manage intellectual property (IP), including trademark protection for the aquarium’s brand and licensing for research or media projects.
• Review, negotiate, and/or draft business contracts, and develop organizational contract processes.
• Coordinate with external counsel on specialized legal needs.
• Edit and proof-read various important documents of a legal nature or otherwise.
• Additional responsibilities may be delegated depending on the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Proactive, highly organized, and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Professional manner and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to successfully interact with a broad range of individuals and temperaments.
• Highly skilled in Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, DocuSign, TEAMS, Doodle, and BoardEffect software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to compose clear and concise correspondence using legal language.
• Strong research skills.
• Understanding of legal terms, concepts, and how to conduct legal research, draft, and review legal documents.
• Excellent internal and external customer service.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to focus on projects in a shared workspace with frequent interruptions.
• Experience in meeting planning, coordinating, and maintaining a budget.

Qualifications

• AS or BA in Paralegal Studies; paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred, or law degree.
• 5+ years of experience as a paralegal or equivalent.
• Experience related to mission-driven organizations, natural resource law, or nonprofit organizations is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, twist, and kneel.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 20 lbs.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

Mental Demands

• Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.

Work Environment

• Noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.
• Occasionally early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required to support executive schedules or Aquarium events.

Pay

Minimum starting pay for this role is $100,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.