Corporate Counsel - Remote
Ensemble Performing Arts is a high-growth, mission-driven owner and operator of performing arts schools and businesses. We are seeking an experienced legal generalist to serve as a key legal partner to our performing arts business units, with an emphasis on commercial contracts, compliance, and operational matters. This is a full-time, remote position, with preference for candidates in the Eastern or Central time zones.
About the role
This is a unique, high-impact opportunity for a seasoned lawyer who wants their day-to-day work to genuinely matter. As Corporate Counsel, you will embed in our businesses, learn their strategic needs, and provide practical, risk-balanced legal guidance that furthers performing arts education nationwide. Operating with an ownership mindset, you will work both independently and collaboratively to build out a scalable in-house legal function as we expand.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and operating businesses on operational, compliance, and other legal matters
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of a range of commercial agreements (e.g., leases, NDAs, employment agreements, and license agreements) from initial intake through execution, aligning executives and resolving legal and business issues
- Design, implement, and monitor compliance programs and policies to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards and proactively identify and mitigate compliance risks across business units
- Build scalable legal infrastructure and processes (e.g., templates, playbooks, policies, and decision frameworks) to support growth while maintaining risk discipline
- Balance legal risk and business objectives to enable informed, high-quality decision-making
- Collaborate with the legal team to ensure consistent, high-quality legal support
- Manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality, efficient outcomes
- Drive and execute cross-functional/cross-business initiatives
Requirements
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active U.S. state bar membership in good standing
- 6+ years of relevant legal experience, with a strong focus on drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, including commercial leases
- Strong business judgment with an entrepreneurial, strategic mindset
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence partners within and outside the organization
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Executive presence and confidence while advising senior leadership
- Curious, adaptable, and motivated to grow with a scaling organization
- Ability to translate complex legal/regulatory issues into clear, actionable guidance
- High integrity, discretion, and strong ethical standards
Preferred Experience
- Demonstrated interest in the performing arts and/or performing arts education
- Top-tier law firm and/or in-house legal experience
- Experience with multi-site businesses
- Some general litigation, employment law, and/or compliance experience
Pay
This role offers an expected $145,000–$175,000 annual base salary, plus bonus eligibility. Within this range, pay is determined by work location and other factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
- 401(k) with employer match
About Ensemble Performing Arts
Ensemble Performing Arts, a three-time Inc. 5000 award winner, is an owner and operator of performing arts schools and businesses, powered by passionate educators and supported by a team committed to preserving what makes each business special. Our mission is to empower artists by safeguarding the businesses that love them.
Values
- Stewardship: We support local arts communities by making it easy for educators to focus on teaching.
- Growth: We invest in our team and partners to build a brighter future in arts education.
- Stagehands: We work behind the scenes so teachers and students can shine on stage.