General Counsel, Legal Affairs

COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. Job Title:General CounselDepartment:Legal AffairsReports To:Chief Legal Officer (CLO)FLSA Status:ExemptPay Grade:E9Job Type:Full-Time, RegularAKBCU: NoICPA: Yes General Functions: The General Counsel provides senior-level legal counsel and guidance to Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) and its affiliates under the direction of the Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This role leads day-to-day legal operations within the Legal Affairs department, manages complex legal matters across multiple practice areas, and supports the CLO in delivering comprehensive legal services aligned with CITC's mission, values, and regulatory obligations. The General Counsel serves as a key legal resource for the President's Council and organizational leadership and provides direct supervision to Associate Counsel and other legal department staff. Leadership: As a senior member of the Legal Affairs department, the General Counsel supports CITC's values by embodying belief in the potential of Our People, commitment to the mission and vision, and adherence to core principles and leadership competencies. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the Chief Legal Officer's direction, the General Counsel will: Lead day-to-day legal operations of the Legal Affairs department, including supervision and mentorship of assigned staff.Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents on behalf of CITC and its affiliates.Provide legal counsel and guidance to the President's Council and departmental leadership on a broad range of business and organizational legal matters.Identify, analyze, and develop strategies to mitigate legal and operational risks across CITC's programs and subsidiaries.Oversee compliance efforts by monitoring and interpreting applicable tribal, federal, state, and local laws and regulations.Support the CLO in delivering legal guidance related to corporate governance, including preparation of board materials, resolutions, and organizational documents.Assist the CLO in managing outside counsel relationships, including coordination, supervision, and review of legal work product.Provide legal support and strategic guidance related to P.L. 93-638, P.L. 102-477, and other regulatory frameworks applicable to CITC's operations.Support the CLO in providing legal services to CITC Enterprises, Inc., and other for-profit subsidiaries.Assist in securing and maintaining the intellectual property rights of the organization.Coordinate with the Finance Department on compliance with applicable financial management laws and participate in audits and financial controls as needed.Translate complex legal concepts into accessible guidance for non-legal staff, program teams, and leadership.Support the CLO in overseeing risk management activities, including review and administration of liability insurance programs.Assist in navigating complex legal matters and high-pressure situations, providing sound judgment and timely recommendations.Develop and maintain relationships with external legal partners and community stakeholders in support of CITC's mission.Serve as Acting CLO in the absence of the CLO, as designated.Participate in organizational projects and entity governance as designated by the CLO.Other duties as assigned. Job Specifications: Senior-level legal knowledge with strong analytical, research, and writing skills.Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal matters across multiple practice areas simultaneously.Strong leadership, supervisory, and staff development skills.Ability to work effectively with executives, boards, program staff, and the public at all levels.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences.Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate with a high degree of independence.Commitment to achieving results under demanding timeframes.Commitment to CITC's mission, values, and the communities it serves. Minimum Core Competencies: CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills. Minimum Qualifications: Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; active membership in the Alaska Bar Association.Seven (7) or more years of progressive legal experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior legal role.Significant experience in business transactions, contracts, corporate governance, risk management, and related areas.Advanced skills in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and agreements.Comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to the organization's operations.Experience with P.L. 93-638 and P.L. 102-477.Background in corporate governance and experience working with or supporting Boards of Directors.Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and operational risks.Deep understanding of Alaska Native culture and communities.Experience working in or with tribal organizations, nonprofit, healthcare, or social service organizations preferred. Physical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Primarily works in an office setting, with extended periods of time at a desk and on a computer.May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner. DisclaimerThe information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.