Legal Counsel (Cleantech Incubator, Non-profit)

About LACI 

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (through working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through catalytic partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. Learn more at laci.org

Position Summary:

Reporting to the EVP Finance, the Legal Counsel will provide legal guidance and general counsel to CEO and LACI leadership for matters across LACI and its affiliated entities. As a nonprofit organization, with innovative programs and financial structures this role will cover a breadth of legal subjects and areas including nonprofit and grant compliance, investments and fund formation,  real estate transactions, employment and compensation, and corporate law. This includes overseeing the contract management processes, as well as developing specific standards for contract negotiations, and contract administration. The Legal Counsel role requires close collaboration with various departments, including Legal & Compliance, Programs, Development, Government Affairs, Accounting, Human Resources, Facilities & Operations and is supported by outside counsel on specific matters and transactions where applicable. 

What You’ll Do:

• Legal Strategy and Oversight: Drive the organization’s legal strategies, positions and risk management to protect the resources, image and reputation of LACI and its affiliates. Ensure the organization meets all legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements as a California nonprofit public charity. 
• Contracts and Insurance: Draft, review, and redline, as necessary, all contracts and agreements for LACI and its affiliates. Oversee the organization's insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage and risk mitigation for LACI, and our partners
• Corporate Compliance: Design, implement, train others, and maintain LACI’s organization-wide policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, local and organizational requirements. Oversee organizational contract development and management activities, including: enforcing organizational principles of integrity, meeting deadlines on deliverables, and maintaining communication on an ongoing basis with funders, partners and the internal team about contractual issues.
• Program/Legal Support: Support program design and develop legal/financial structures to support LACI’s programs and teams’ pursuit of LACI’s mission. Support the organization’s Board of Directors and Board Secretary to ensure appropriate documentation of Board activities and governance matters

Why You’re Right for the Job:

• You’re a planner and capacity builder. You know how to operationalize program compliance and develop the plans, processes and people to execute, ensuring everything runs smoothly and goals are met.
• You are an exceptional communicator. You know how to synthesize and translate complex information for a broad spectrum of audiences, from technologists and engineers, to investors, to cross collaborative team members.
• You’re super organized. In fact, your organization, attention to detail and time management skills are award-worthy! (Color-coded Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables, anyone?)
• You’re adaptable. You can flex comfortably between working independently with limited supervision, and operating fluidly within a dynamic team environment.
• People trust you. You are honest, trustworthy and have the ability to maintain discretion in handling sensitive information.

Requirements:

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:

• Must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and be licenses to practice law in California
• At least 5+ years of legal experience (nonprofit, fund formation, and/or transaction experience preferred) 
• Superior project management skills
• Highly proficient with GSuite
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to work collaboratively across departments with diverse staff. 
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work professionally and calmly under pressure. Commitment to excellence and to the mission of LACI.

Work Requirements

• This role operates in a hybrid capacity and must work onsite from Downtown LA office at least 3 days/week

Position Details:

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here. 

Salary Range: VP Range $135-150k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including:  paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan, professional development, and paid parking. We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass for every employee.