Senior Corporate Counsel

Overview

Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel. As part of the UIC Legal team, this position is responsible for providing high-level legal support to the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The role encompasses contract negotiation and enforcement, real estate and transactional documentation, litigation support and supervision, corporate governance, subsidiary management, shareholder matters, and compliance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and other applicable laws. The Senior Corporate Counsel protects UIC’s corporate legal interests, advises leadership on complex legal issues, and supports the development and administration of corporate policies, ethics, and compliance programs.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Provide legal counsel and support to the General Counsel, Board of Directors, corporate officers, and subsidiary management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of corporate agreements, including vendor contracts, leases, financing, and real estate transactions.
• Advise on and review corporate policies, procedures, and ethics programs to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Serve as a liaison with outside counsel on specialized matters including litigation, real estate, financing, and regulatory issues.
• Draft, review, and oversee corporate governance documents including board resolutions, bylaws, charters, and minutes.
• Advise on corporate governance best practices, subsidiary structure, and shareholder-related matters.
• Manage and support the formation, organization, and compliance of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other business entities.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions, memoranda, and recommendations on issues affecting the Corporation.
• Monitor and interpret legal and regulatory developments affecting ANCs, ANCSA compliance, and Alaska corporate law.
• Maintain organized legal records and ensure timely corporate and regulatory filings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong research, drafting, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex legal and business issues and provide practical recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and corporate transactions.
• High ethical standards, discretion, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with executives, boards, subsidiaries, and outside counsel.
• Commitment to UIC’s mission, values, and shareholder community.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Alaska Bar.
• Minimum of five (5) years of legal experience in corporate or business law.
• Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, compliance, litigation management, and business transactions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Alaska Native Corporations and ANCSA.
• Background in corporate transactions, real estate, and shareholder-related matters.
• Experience advising boards of directors and executive leadership.
• Familiarity with corporate-level employment law.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to communicate clearly through speech and hearing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

Environmental Conditions:

• Local and long-distance travel required. This may include remote or rural locations.
• Work is typically performed in a professional office environment.
• Extended periods of computer use and screen time.
• May be required to work beyond normal business hours during peak periods (e.g., audits, budgeting, board meetings, etc.).
• Regular interaction with executive leadership, board members, subsidiaries, and external partners.
• Must maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive financial and corporate information.

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