General Counsel OR Director, Legal & Compliance

The National Pork Board is seeking a General Counsel OR Director, Legal and Compliance to join our operations team. As a direct report to the Chief Operating Officer, this individual will lead legal, compliance and contracting functions for the organization, including Research Management and meeting services. This role must focus on establishing and improving business processes that will help the business adhere to all applicable laws and regulations including ensuring that contracts comply with all USDA/AMS requirements and NPB internal contract policies.  The Director will routinely collaborate across the organization to provide legal and compliance advice as needed to support projects laddering up to the organization’s stated goals. This position ensures effective cross-functional communication within and outside the organization and supports the organization’s strategic mission and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee process for general and research contracting and POs  
• Manage the USDA AMS approval process and serve as the primary interface with the USDA-AMS Liaison and be the point of contact with USDA AMS on all matters 
• Work closely with the Vice President, Human Resources on non-HR related organizational and USDA legal issues  
• Oversee all intellectual property (IP) such as trademarks, etc. to ensure all licensing agreements are monitored, current, compliant and all NPB owned IP is managed appropriately, including managing and tracking non-disclosure agreements  
• Engage outside legal counsel on contracts, intellectual property, or non-HR related legal issues, when necessary  
• Review and respond to Freedom of Information Act requests 
• Must maintain strong business and legal acumen and stay current on all organization-wide initiatives to ensure successful execution of multiple priorities and projects.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Demonstrate understanding of compliance with laws, regulations and policies. 
• Proven track record of leading organizational efforts and initiatives.   
• A demonstrated ability to recognize, troubleshoot and successfully solve issues that arise.  
• Attention to detail, consistent development, use and tracking of detail-oriented processes and follow up.   
• Solid understanding of the role of operations in an organization to ensure strategic success.  
• Ability to exercise good judgement and effectively build and maintain partnership with others across multiple stakeholders.  
• Strong ability to lead others.   
• Must communicate clearly and effectively with staff and stakeholders.   
• Successful track record of demonstrating direct and indirect influence within the organization structure; results-oriented communications; and positive outcome-based leadership  
• Reinforce a culture of accountability. 

Education/Experience:  

We welcome applicants with a range of experience.  The role may be either General Counsel or Director of Legal and Compliance, depending on the candidate's background and qualifications. 

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Understanding of the legal operational environment of business is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Political Science, Business, or a related field;
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program; or
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

This position may require up to 15% domestic travel by both air and auto and requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record. 

The National Pork Board’s corporate office is located in Clive, IA.  Local candidates preferred, remote candidates will be considered. Application deadline is 10/1/25 however, we may speak to qualified candidates prior to the close date.  

Full-time starting salary range is $120K-$215K. Please note: This starting range is based on a general market pay assessment. However, individual salary decisions take into account a variety of factors including but not limited to: business and local market considerations, internal equity, and overall candidate skills, education and experience. 

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. Applicants should be able to able to support he mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers. 

The National Pork Board, an equal opportunity employer, offers an exceptional benefits package and work environment. We have been nationally recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s “Best Places to Work”. Check us out at www.porkcheckoff.org