Company:

Location:

Salary Information:

Description:

Strategic Responsibility:

The General Counsel will lead an internal Legal & Business Affairs team whose responsibility is to safeguard the legal interests of the organization while aligning strategic initiatives with its mission and values. With a strong focus on intellectual property expertise, the role involves developing and implementing strategies to protect and manage all aspects of the organization’s intellectual property portfolio. This includes overseeing contract negotiation, risk management, compliance, and dispute resolution efforts. Additionally, the General Counsel serves as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees and executive leadership, providing strategic legal counsel and promoting a culture of legal compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organization. The General Counsel is responsible for the internal and outside counsel budgets and expenditures across the organization, and for coordinating outside counsel representation.

Job Description:

Lead and build the Legal & Business Affairs team in support of the ministry’s strategic plan and meet business/ministry objectives.

Manage external counsel for all legal activities, ensuring high quality and cost-effective support.

Work closely with the Board of Trustees on governance, legal and other matters, providing timely and wise counsel on all matters before the Board.

Work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategies, initiatives, M&A, and business initiatives.

Ensure that legal matters are handled in a manner that protects David C Cook/Integrity Music’s reputation with customers, the general public, and government and its regulatory agencies. Coordinate efforts with peers and internal teams accordingly.

Provide sound legal advice on all issues affecting the existing and future ministry business, including development of legal strategies to support business initiatives and appropriately mitigate exposure to risk.

Help manage all corporate deal structuring, negotiation and execution activities with CEO and BOT.

Guide and structure the contracting and maintenance of licensing agreements, author/artist and writer agreements, independent contractor agreements, strategic alliances, complex commercial transactions and other corporate collaborations. Oversee contractual excellence.

Oversee and lead the Cybersecurity Team and Breach Response Team; update policies and train the ministry on data and cyber risks and best practices; work with the IT department on risk assessment and management.

Oversee all corporate filings and ensure corporate compliances.

Work with HR to update, interpret, and enforce the employee handbook and policies as needed.

Oversee insurance renewals and coverages; work with brokers and internal team on claims and contracts.

Oversee the trademark and copyright portfolios maintenance and filings; provide advice on protection of IP.

Advise and oversee response to threatened or actual litigation, and other disputes or claims.

Work with foreign counsel to assist with legal and business affairs in the UK and outside the US.

Ensure Cook’s use of AI complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), consumer protection laws, and industry-specific regulations (e.g., healthcare, finance).

Develop and oversee internal policies and procedures for the ethical development and use of AI, including guidelines for data collection and usage, algorithmic transparency, and accountability.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

Formal Education: J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.

Experience: 15+ years of legal experience, with a preference for Christian ministry experience. Experience with intellectual property, corporate, and transactional matters in publishing, music, and entertainment spaces required. Understanding of privacy and data-related laws and issues required. Experience with employment laws, nonprofit tax, mergers and acquisitions, and/or contracts management a plus.

Specialized Knowledge/Certification: Broad legal experience with intellectual property/entertainment industry contracts and commercial and corporate transactions, as well as excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills. Comprehensive understanding of business including publishing, music, and ministry work. Experience with nonprofit board governance and compliance. Proven knowledge of privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Resourceful and analytical thinker, creative problem solver, and a commitment to ministry objectives. Skilled in communication, flexible social style, and agile thinking. Solid mentorship and leadership skills; draws satisfaction from team accomplishments. Solid experience leading and developing a legal organization overseeing a complex organization/ministry. Must be a self-motivated, hands-on executive who functions effectively in a high-energy team environment. Strong collaboration skills needed. Risk assessment and management a must.

Equipment Knowledge: PC and/or Mac Computers and general computer equipment.

Working Conditions

• Comfortable working conditions, handling lightweight, intermittent sitting, standing and walking.
• Working environment cubicle office and co-working spaces with some noise
• Detail-oriented work requiring mental acuity and accuracy
• Normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) are typical but must have a willingness and flexibility to work during evenings and weekends if/when necessary.
• Travel 25%.

Core Competencies:

• Good Decision Maker
• Independent
• Communicates with ease
• Organized
• Likes responsibility
• Achiever – strong initiative
• Responsible leadership
• Confident and at ease
• Not afraid to speak up
• Self-assured
• Not easily overwhelmed
• Doesn’t over personalize
• Sound judgement

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical Plan: HDHP w/ HSA (All Staff) or Direct Primary Care Option (Colorado Employees Only)
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) w/ Company Match ($0.50 on the $1 up to 10% of eligible compensation)
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Accident
• Life Assistance Plan

Other Benefits:

• Adoption Benefit
• Benevolence Fund
• Service Recognition Leave
• Volunteer Days
• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Pet Insurance Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Maternity Leave
• Paternity Leave
• New Childbirth Assistance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. David C Cook is a dynamic work environment where positions evolve and change. As a result, the Company reserves the right to modify, delete or add job responsibilities, metrics and benchmarks as necessary to meet business needs. In addition, expectations of performance will be defined in regular performance discussions.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.