Board and Legal Affairs Manager

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

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, and beyond. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and entails managing clerical and administrative functions related to corporate governance. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing legal correspondence and contracts, scheduling board-related appointments and meetings, board relations, and organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files. This position must have exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with Board members and a variety of staff throughout the Aquarium.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• 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 needs of the organization.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• Proactive, highly organized and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Professional manner and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able 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. Must have the ability to compose clear and concise correspondence regarding the relevant subject matter, including legal language.
• Strong research skills
• Understanding of legal terms, concepts, how to conduct legal research, and 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 and staying within the budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities an individual must possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• 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 organization is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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 0-25lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-20lbs.
• 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

The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.

INTERESTED OR QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/employment/info/board_and_legal_affairs_manager