Vice President, Legal

About the role

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun. BlackSky is looking for a dynamic VP of Legal to lead a team in providing legal advice and support across all aspects of its business, including, cutting-edge product development, U.S. and international government contracting, commercial transactions, satellite constellation operations, and platform and analytic capabilities. A successful candidate will have hands-on experience working directly with operations, design, and contracting teams, as well as experience working with domestic and foreign customers and U.S. regulators. Experience in the space and/or the defense sectors is a benefit. As a leader of the legal and contracts team, your responsibilities are expected to be wide ranging, spanning many different aspects of transactional and corporate matters commercial, compliance, and much more. The position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing small internal legal team; overseeing all legal functions including regulatory, export, US government and international sales, and procurement contracts.
• Serve as the senior legal advisor to the General Counsel (GC) and senior leadership team on all legal matters affecting BlackSky.
• Participate as an active member of BlackSky's Leadership Team.
• Provide counsel on legal, business, and operational matters.
• Represent BlackSky's legal interests and provide assurance of strong corporate governance and overall legal well-being before the Board, regulatory agencies, and auditors.
• Provide guidance on matters ranging from contract analysis and interpretation for commercial, U.S. Government, and international agreements and cost accounting compliance to corporate governance, finance, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and counsel BlackSky on the federal and state regulatory landscape affecting the Company, which includes regulations impacting BlackSky as a U.S. Government contractor.
• Lead, manage, and participate as the senior legal person, as appropriate, in SOX activities, compliance audits and investigations.
• Perform risk assessments related to proposed initiatives, corporate activities and industry developments, recommending alternative courses of action to achieve business objectives while limiting liability and risk.
• Negotiate, draft, and manage complex policies, contracts and commercial agreements, including licensing and software contracts and strategic partnerships/teaming arrangements.
• Work with the GC on strategic corporate activities such as joint ventures and possible investments, both domestic and international.
• Judge the merits of litigation filed against or on behalf of the Company; work with the appropriate executive(s) and/or outside counsel to define and manage a strategic defense.
• Grow, mentor, and develop an internal legal team.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree with 10+ years’ experience.
• At least four years in the space or defense sectors.
• At least four years with US government contracts experience at one or more top law firms, government agencies and/or in-house legal departments.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one