General Counsel

Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is seeking an experienced generalist attorney to serve in our General Counsel position. This position will manage all legal, compliance, governance and government relations functions for TPT. In addition to handling day-to-day legal functions, this position will provide ongoing advice and counsel in support of TPT’s production activities and will oversee internal legal staff and external counsel.

The General Counsel reports to the the CEO and is a key member of the executive leadership team; they provide strategic guidance to both the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Salary: $190K -$225K Annually (depending on qualifications)

Hybrid Workplace: Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Twin Cities Metro area.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Oversee all legal, regulatory and compliance matters, litigation management and advice to business units on a wide range of subject matter areas related to corporate, board governance, transactional, intellectual property, human resources, and technology, among others.
• Oversee all aspects and provide ongoing legal advice and counsel in support of TPT’s program production and distribution, and television station operation, including in the areas of routine production matters and agreements, editorial and content standards and practices, negotiating production services and distribution agreements, advising on intellectual property matters, and other related matters.
• Identify and analyze legal risk related to content generation and distribution and handle other day-to-day legal issues arising in a complex and highly regulated business. Perform due diligence and advice on legal risks associated with TPT’s strategic and tactical activities.
• Oversee all aspects of contracts and transaction, privacy matters, intellectual property, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic partnerships and investments. Negotiate, draft, and review a variety of complex agreements, including vendor contracts, licenses, distribution agreements, partnerships, and data agreements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve template agreements and provisions, standard terms, and corporate policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• In partnership with internal department leaders, lead in the definition, development, drafting and approval of organization policies, procedures, and programs.
• Coordinate and manage a network of external counsel that can provide legal support in specialized areas as needed and within a cost effective manner.
• Serves as Chief Compliance Officer. Oversees the legal aspects of a corporate structure, board resolutions, legal filings, developing, updating, and maintaining systems for meeting corporate documentation and corporate compliance requirements.
• Develop and deliver legal and compliance trainings for management and station staff; particularly in television production matters, encompassing media, entertainment and intellectual property.
• Participate in the development of short and long-range goals and objectives to ensure achievement of our mission and vision and long-term strategic objectives while always doing so within our values and aligned to our inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) goals.
• Respond to third party legal and regulatory processes, including demands, subpoenas, summons and preservation of documents.
• Identify potential areas of legal vulnerability and risk; develop action plans for resolution of issues and prevention of future issues.
• Lead special projects and high-priority initiatives covering a broad spectrum of authority, with visibility to members of state government.
• Monitor legal developments, legislation and pending legislation promulgated by the State and Federal government, to assess and advise implementation of and compliance with new laws, regulations. Lead government relations efforts to advance TPT’s priorities.
• Inspires and motivates exceptional performance, communicates expectations, ensures team member has all needed tools, evaluates team member’s effectiveness, supports professional development and performance management. Hires, trains and evaluates new employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted into the MN bar and in good standing
• 10 years of relevant, complex generalist legal and business experience required, which could include both law firm and in-house experience
• Experience managing internal legal staff, coordinating and supervising external counsel, and managing a department budget

Preferred Experience:

• 12 years of relevant, complex legal experience
• Experience working in the media sector, ideally in the public media sector, with knowledge of regulatory requirements
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector
• Experience working with the state, federal, legislative leaders, policymakers, regulators and coalitions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to provide counsel and guidance on matters ranging from complex legal questions to inquiries about routine day-to-day legal matters.
• An ability to communicate clearly and effectively across cross-functional teams, build consensus among partners, and maintain strong relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Creative thinking beyond the ‘legal’ box to generate possible solutions and options for the organization, with a client-service focus.
• Strong organizational skills, demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and the ability to meet deadlines for time sensitive assignments.
• Fluent user of Microsoft Office (e.g. PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and Teams.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of a truly diverse organization. With this in mind, and as an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and strongly welcome candidates of all identities, lived experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)