General Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY:

The General Counsel will manage all legal, compliance, governance and government relations functions for TPT. This position will report to the CEO and will be a key member of the leadership team, providing strategic guidance to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Compensation: $205,000 to $220,000 annually in addition to company provided benefits.

Hybrid Work Environment: Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Twin Cities Metro area and report to onsite office a minimum of three days per week.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervises and leads Associate General Counsel and Director of Government Relations positions. 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 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.