VP & Deputy General Counsel

The CompanyThe Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus and a large employee base worldwide. GIA offers competitive health and commuter benefits that promote employee well-being and environmental sustainability.The LocationCarlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. A hybrid schedule is provided if metrics such as productivity and the quality of deliverables are achieved.The EnvironmentOn-site cafe with affordable meals and Starbucks drinksElectric vehicle charging stations on-siteErgonomic assessments offered on-site and virtuallyThe CultureWe foster autonomy, performance, and passion. Team members collaborate across departments to provide high-quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization. We value initiative, cross-functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence.What to ExpectCompetitive medical, dental, vision and 401(k) plans (no vesting required)Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefitsPosition SummaryThe Deputy General Counsel is a key member of the legal leadership team, providing senior level counsel to the General Counsel, executive management and the Board of Governors. This global role spans a wide range of responsibilities, including labor and employment law, oversight of litigation, intellectual property, transactional work (such as mergers and acquisitions), data privacy, and regulatory compliance (including trade controls, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption). The Deputy General Counsel also advises on education and education compliance, including student protection, licensing, accreditation, and the fair resolution of student complaints and grievances. The role provides oversight on global health and safety, supporting compliance with workplace and student safety regulations. In all areas, this position safeguards the Institute’s nonprofit status, manages legal risk, and supports global operations across locations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and adherence to applicable laws and regulations in alignment with the Institute’s mission and core values.Essential FunctionsLabor & Employment (15%) – Advise on employee relations, workplace policies, investigations, and disciplinary actions; ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; partner with Human Resources on employment agreements, terminations, and workforce initiatives.Litigation Supervision (15%) – Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes, including supervising outside counsel; develop litigation strategies, evaluate risk exposure, and report to leadership and the Board; direct responses to subpoenas, discovery, and pre-litigation tellectual Property (10%) – Provide counsel on protection, licensing, and enforcement of the organization’s IP portfolio; draft and negotiate IP-related agreements; educate staff on copyright, trademark, and fair use pliance & Regulatory (15%) – Lead compliance efforts with U.S. and international regulations, including FCPA, OFAC, trade controls and AML requirements; design and implement policies, training, and monitoring systems; conduct risk assessments and internal investigations when required.Data Privacy (5%) – Oversee the global data privacy program, including GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA (as applicable); advise on development and maintenance of data protection policies, procedures, and employee training; collaborate with IT and Compliance to oversee data security incidents and breach responses.Corporate Governance (15%) – Develop expertise in nonprofit governance best practices and fiduciary duties; support the General Counsel and Assistant Secretary; build knowledge of governing documents, policies, and governance framework; support board and committee meetings with materials and records.General Legal Counsel & Transactions (15%) – Negotiate, draft, and review contracts, MOUs, and organizational agreements; provide guidance on transactional matters (vendor agreements, financing, alliances, collaborations); support due diligence and structuring for nonprofit M&A, joint ventures, or strategic alliances; advise senior leadership on organizational risk management and opportunities.Education Compliance and Accreditation (10%) – Advise on global education compliance (student protection, licensing, accreditation); support risk management in student-facing activities (admissions, tuition, refunds, grievances); ensure alignment with mission and non-profit obligations; counsel on processes for handling student complaints and grievances.Health & Safety (10%) – Provide legal guidance on occupational health and safety; oversee compliance with workplace and student safety regulations; assist in policy development and emergency preparedness; advise on risk management strategies.Supervisory Responsibilities – May supervise attorneys, paralegals, compliance, or privacy staff; provide mentoring and training within the Legal Affairs department.QualificationsJuris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolActive bar membership in good standing (preference for CA or ability to register as in-house counsel)10-15 years of experience combining law firm and in-house roles with progressively increasing responsibility, including:Labor and employment law expertiseExperience managing litigation and supervising outside counselStrong contract drafting/negotiation across transactionsExperience with nonprofit and corporate M&A due diligence and integrationExperience with data privacy (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA)Experience with compliance frameworks (FCPA, OFAC, AML, Trade Controls)Education law and compliance, including accreditationNonprofit governance and IP mattersExperience advising on health and safety regulations and global operationsExceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and provide practical, solution-oriented adviceCommitment to the Institute’s mission, values, and ethical standardsCore CompetenciesIntegrity & AccountabilityLeadershipRespect & InclusionStrategic ThinkingTeamworkBusiness AcumenData StewardshipWorking ConditionsNormal office environment with potential for hybrid workDomestic and international travel may be required (approximately 25%)Extended hours may occasionally be necessary for urgent legal matters or board meetingsPerformance MetricsTimely and accurate delivery of legal advice and risk assessmentsEffectiveness in managing litigation and outside counsel costsCompliance program implementation and monitoring effectivenessUnderstanding of board governance support and documentationSuccess in negotiating favorable transactional terms and supporting M&A initiativesImplementation of data privacy policies, training, and incident response protocolsLeadership and mentorship within the Legal Affairs departmentSalary range: $248-408KAn Equal Opportunity EmployerAll employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms the type and level of work performed and may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship between the Company and its employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-21