Corporate Counsel, Board Affairs

Key responsibilities

• Advises senior staff, Board liaisons, and directors in support of an informed and engaged Board of Directors
• Manages the Board Affairs workplan and the schedule of internal deadlines
• Oversees the PBS Board elections process
• Supports orientation and ongoing education for PBS Board and PBSF Board members
• Works with Board committee liaisons, providing comprehensive support for the PBS and PBSF Boards and all committees
• Includes drafting agendas, minutes, correspondence, issue papers, Board policies, and other related documents
• Maintains and updates corporate governance documents for PBS, PBS Foundation, and PBS’s subsidiaries
• Maintains all corporate governance records, Board and committee minutes, and official histories to ensure regulatory compliance and continuity of corporate memory
• Establishes strong working relationships with colleagues within the Board Affairs team and the Office of the Chief Legal Officer, PBS and PBSF executives, other colleagues, and Board members
• Works effectively with other departments to plan meetings of the Boards of Directors and committees
• Advise Corporate Secretary on compliance with Board-related Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Manages implementation of PBS’s internal Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Maintains an ongoing working knowledge of nonprofit governance laws
• Liaises with and supervises outside counsel regarding governance issues
• Supervises and manages OCLO team supporting board affairs matters
• Works directly with internal clients, negotiates, and drafts a variety of contracts

Requirements For Success

• At least 5 years’ relevant corporate governance experience in a law firm and/or in-house board affairs team, with in-house experience in a national nonprofit environment preferred
• Ability to establish credibility with Board members and senior management and demonstrated ability to work well with colleagues at every level
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and analyze and make recommendations on complex and sensitive matters
• Experience negotiating complex contracts, including proven ability to assess and advise internal clients on mitigating risk in commercial transactions
• Demonstrated success with problem solving in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• J.D. and strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school and Bar admission and eligible for admission as full bar member or as corporate counsel in Virginia
• Must live within commuting distance of PBS's Arlington, VA headquarters