GIA (Gemological Institute of America) · 1 week ago
VP & Deputy General Counsel
Carlsbad, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$248K/yr - $408K/yr
10+ years expGIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology, and they are seeking a VP & Deputy General Counsel to provide senior level counsel to the General Counsel and executive management. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including labor and employment law, oversight of litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Advise on employee relations, workplace policies, investigations, and disciplinary actions
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
Partner with Human Resources on employment agreements, terminations, and workforce initiatives
Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes, including supervising outside counsel
Develop litigation strategies, evaluate risk exposure, and report to leadership and the Board
Direct responses to subpoenas, discovery, and pre-litigation demands
Provide counsel on protection, licensing, and enforcement of the organization’s IP portfolio
Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements
Educate staff on copyright, trademark, and fair use policies
Lead compliance efforts with U.S. and international regulations, including FCPA, OFAC, trade controls and AML requirements
Design and implement policies, training, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance
Conduct risk assessments and internal investigations when required
Oversee the global data privacy program, including GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA (as applicable)
Advise on the development and maintenance of data protection policies, procedures, and employee training
Collaborate with IT and Compliance teams to oversee data security incidents and breach responses
Develop expertise in nonprofit corporate governance best practices and fiduciary duties and provide support to the General Counsel and Assistant Secretary as needed
Gain a strong understanding of the Institute’s governing documents, policies and governance framework
Build knowledge of the processes supporting board and committee meetings, including the preparation of materials and maintenance of corporate records, in order to provide informed support where needed
Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of contracts, MOUs, and organizational agreements
Provide guidance on transactional matters, including vendor agreements, financing, alliances and collaborations
Support due diligence and structuring for nonprofit M&A, joint ventures, or strategic alliances
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational risk management and business opportunities
Advise on global education compliance, including student protection, licensing and accreditation requirements
Support risk management in student-facing activities, including policies on admissions, tuition, refunds and grievance procedures
Ensure education initiatives are aligned with the Institute’s mission and consistent with non-profit obligations
Provide counsel on processes for handling student complaints and grievances, ensuring they are resolved fairly, consistently and in compliance with applicable laws
Provide legal guidance on occupational health and safety matters across the Institute’s global operations
Oversee compliance with applicable workplace safety, student safety, and public health regulations
Support the development and review of policies and procedures designed to promote a safe learning and working environment
Advise on risk management strategies related to health and safety and emergency preparedness
May supervise attorneys, paralegals, compliance, or privacy staff as assigned
Provides mentoring, training, and guidance to members of the Legal Affairs department
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preference for CA or ability to register as in-house counsel)
Minimum 10-15 years of a combination of law firm and in-house progressively responsible legal experience, including:
Significant expertise in labor and employment law
Demonstrated experience managing litigation and supervising outside counsel
Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills across a range of transactions
Familiarity with nonprofit and corporate M&A transactions, including due diligence and integration
Experience with data privacy and protection requirements (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, or equivalent)
Experience with compliance regulatory frameworks (FCPA, OFAC, AML, Trade Controls)
Experience advising on education law and compliance, including accreditation
Background in nonprofit corporate governance and intellectual property matters
Experience on advising on occupational health and safety laws and regulation, including workplace and student safety requirements
Background supporting global operations, with sensitivity to diverse cultural, regulatory and business environments
Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and provide practical, solutions-oriented advice
Commitment to the mission, values, and ethical standards of the Institute
Benefits
Competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans (no vesting required)
Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits
Company
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But quality is a matter of science.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Pritesh Patel
President & CEO
Recent News
2026-01-14
2025-11-14
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