Vice President of Legal

Vice President, Legal

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

BlackSky is looking for a dynamic VP of Legal to lead a team in providing legal advice and support across all aspects of its business, including, cutting-edge product development, U.S. and international government contracting, commercial transactions, satellite constellation operations, and platform and analytic capabilities.  A successful candidate will have hands-on experience working directly with operations, design, and contracting teams, as well as experience working with domestic and foreign customers and U.S. regulators. Experience in the space and/or the defense sectors is a benefit. 

 As a leader of the legal and contracts team, your responsibilities are expected to be wide ranging, spanning many different aspects of transactional and corporate matters commercial, compliance, and much more.  The position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/General Counsel and while we are open to remote candidates in certain states this role includes 10% or less travel with a visit to the Herndon, VA corporate office a minimum of two times a year and potential occasional travel to support international negotiations (~1x per year) when participating remotely is not possible.

Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for managing small internal legal team; overseeing all legal functions including regulatory, export, US government and international sales, and procurement contracts.
• Serve as the senior legal advisor to the General Counsel (GC) and senior leadership team on all legal matters affecting BlackSky.
• Participate as an active member of BlackSky's Leadership Team. Provide counsel on legal, business, and operational matters.
• Represent BlackSky's legal interests and provide assurance of strong corporate governance and overall legal well-being before the Board, regulatory agencies, and auditors.
• Provide guidance on matters ranging from contract analysis and interpretation for commercial, U.S. Government, and international agreements and cost accounting compliance to corporate governance, finance, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and counsel BlackSky on the federal and state regulatory landscape affecting the Company, which includes regulations impacting BlackSky as a U.S. Government contractor.
• Lead, manage, and participate as the senior legal person, as appropriate, in SOX activities, compliance audits and investigations.
• Perform risk assessments related to proposed initiatives, corporate activities and industry developments, recommending alternative courses of action to achieve business objectives while limiting liability and risk.
• Negotiate, draft, and manage complex policies, contracts and commercial agreements, including licensing and software contracts and strategic partnerships/teaming arrangements.
• Work with the GC on strategic corporate activities such as joint ventures and possible investments, both domestic and international.
• Judge the merits of litigation filed against or on behalf of the Company; work with the appropriate executive(s) and/or outside counsel to define and manage a strategic defense.
• Grow, mentor, and develop an internal legal team.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree with 10+ years’ experience.
• At least four years in the space or defense sectors.
• At least four years with US government contracts experience at one or more top law firms, government agencies and/or in-house legal departments.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one jurisdiction.
• Strong academic credentials and the highest level of integrity and ethics.
• Experience negotiating and drafting complex government and commercial contracts, especially licensing and software agreements.
• Experience and the ability to manage a small team of legal and contract professionals in daily activities supporting the company’s varied business units.
• Possess strong team and inter-team cooperation and organization skills.
• Experience reviewing, negotiating, and advising on terms and conditions of contracts.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrate an ability to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to analyze, direct and recommend resolutions to highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong understanding of audience.
• An active Secret Security Clearance.

A strong candidate will have direct experience in: 

• Managing a team of lawyers and paraprofessionals, with a problem-solving orientation in a highly entrepreneurial / fast-paced environment
• Partnering with operations, engineering, and contracting teams, as well as domestic and foreign customers.
• Working directly with internal business development, products, and regulatory decision-makers and teams.
• Negotiating complex strategic agreements (ideally experience with both domestic and foreign entities).
• Working with data analytics or SAAS companies/products.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Substantial experience with government contracting (FAR/DFARS) and supporting U.S. Government programs.
• Prior In-House experience, space or defense industry company.
• Expertise with teaming arrangements and subcontract negotiations.
• Experience working with NOAA, FCC and/or NASA for satellite licensing and regulation.
• International contracting and negotiation experience.

 Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life, and AD&D insurance
• BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
• 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more.
• 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Programs
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
• Employer matching donations
• Professional development
• Mac or PC? Your choice!
• Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $245,000-250,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf