Director, Legal Affairs/Legal Counsel

Washington, DC, United States

Title: Director, Legal Affairs/General Counsel

Department/Unit: Legal Affairs/Leadership and Operations

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: This position is located onsite at the APTA headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

About APTA

Do you want to contribute to an organization dedicated to improving societal health? Would you like to collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about making a difference? Are you excited to work in a new state-of-the-art building designed to encourage movement, participation, and employee health?

Then you want to work for APTA!

APTA is the trusted leader for the physical therapy profession, representing more than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Our approximately 150 employees support the association’s mission to build a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, APTA has outstanding employee benefits, including flexible work schedules, generous retirement contributions, and travel subsidies for employees who choose public and active transportation.

Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this position will be responsible for oversight of the Association’s legal affairs. This will include implementing on key initiatives and strategies to meet the Associations goals and objectives, in addition to ongoing issues such as guidance on disputes, agreements, and relations with external parties. This position will also directly supervise one staff member.

Essential Functions

Provide and manage legal and strategic guidance to Association staff and leadership on organizational priorities, initiatives, programs and activities.

Provide legal and strategic guidance to advance and further APTA’s federated model of components and enterprise strategy with subsidiaries, related organization and volunteer groups.

Advise and lead staff and leadership on compliance with governance, including the Association’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, House/Board policies and practices.

Provide analysis, consultation and recommendations concerning matters of ethics, conflicts of interest, and standards of practice.

Provide legal guidance on negotiation and administration of contracts. Maintain the Association database and management software for managing contracts.

Ensure protection of Association’s intellectual property and other proprietary interests, including trademarks and registrations.

Supervise and assist outside counsel on legal issues and initiatives, including working with external parties and participation in litigation.

Provide advice concerning laws, regulations and policies affecting the practice of physical therapy. Devise strategies to advance laws, regulations and policies, or their interpretation to protect and advance the practice of physical therapy.

Use project management skills and budgetary discretion to set priorities and allocate time and resources effectively.

Exercise a wide range of decision-making control while empowering employees with the authority needed to effectively carry out delegated responsibilities.

Directly supervise staff and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with APTA’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving issues as they arise.

Think strategically, maintain morale and motivation, and set an exemplary personal example.

Communicate vision and professionally represent APTA to internal and external stakeholders and facilitate the achievement of the Association’s goals, objectives, and activities.

Build respect with colleagues and constituents by demonstrating exceptional professional knowledge and abilities.

Actively participate in meetings where association-wide issues and strategies are discussed. Contribute to decision-making and facilitate collaboration and communication among departments/units.

Actively contribute to the establishment of a positive working environment by promoting staff values and commitment to the goals and objectives of APTA.

Staff Expectations

Upholds and fosters team values

Complies with all APTA policies and procedures

Performs other duties as assigned to foster the achievement of association priorities

Qualifications

J.D. from an accredited law school.

Current membership in the Virginia State Bar, or the ability to become registered in-house counsel in Virginia under Part I of Rule 1A:5 of the Virginia Supreme Court Rules.

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably in the nonprofit space.

Nonprofit governance and administration experience.

Experience with general corporate law, new business enterprises, nonprofit tax, intellectual property, contracts, and litigation management preferred.

Experience effectively leading, managing, developing and mentoring others is a plus.

Must possess a true passion for mission-driven work and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

High EQ and the ability to gain internal respect and build consensus.

Ability to work in a highly collaborative work environment which requires the ability to work as a team player with cross- functional staff teams and with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.

Hands-on, customer service-oriented attorney. A “working” General Counsel with absolute integrity and ethical standards.

Highly developed skills in communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Ability to be persuasive, coordinate and mediate groups and persons of divergent views and interests.

Demonstrated experience building partnerships and strategic alliances.

Action and results oriented, decisive, adaptable quick study, with proven ability to accurately analyze information and act.

Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills.

Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills.

High initiative and a proven ability to achieve results.

A “roll up your sleeves” approach and mindset.

Travel Requirements

0 - 10% - local, National

How To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, when applying.

Principals only; no agencies; no phone calls, please. Candidates selected to participate in an interview will be contacted by Human Resources.

The American Physical Therapy Association is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

APTA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information, please visit e-verify.uscis.gov.

APTA is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and invites and welcomes applicants with diversity of experience, mindset, and skills to add value to APTA and our staff community.

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