ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, LEGAL CONTRACTS (SAN DIEGO, HYBRID OR WEST COAST REMOTE)

Overview

The organization is seeking an Associate Director, Corporate Counsel – Legal Contracts to provide a high-quality and diverse range of contractual legal services. This role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, protecting organizational interests, ensuring contractual arrangements comply with applicable laws, and overseeing and optimizing contracting policies, procedures, and programs.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements across multiple departments, including:
  • Research and Development oriented agreements
  • Clinical Trial Agreements
  • Sponsored Research Agreements
  • Material Transfer Agreements
  • Licensing Agreements
  • Manufacturing Agreements
  • Master Services Agreements
  • Vendor Agreements
  • Consulting Agreements
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • Operations oriented agreements
  • Commercial oriented agreements
• Provide legal advice to the business on contract matters, including structuring, contract interpretation, compliance and enforcement, risk assessment, and legal/regulatory compliance.
• Resolve legal and compliance issues using negotiation skills and expertise; negotiate with sophisticated counterparties.
• Partner closely with the business to address current needs, anticipated future needs, and resolve internal/external business challenges and/or regulatory issues.
• Assist with the optimization, implementation, and monitoring of contracting policies, procedures, and programs, working with and partnering with the business and G&A functions.
• Maintain working knowledge of new laws, case law trends related to contracts, and regulatory developments; recommend process/product/service improvements.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school and active licensee of the California Bar in good standing or qualified to practice law as in-house counsel in California.
• Minimum of 6–8 years of attorney experience, with combined corporate legal experience at a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other life sciences company, and law firm preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of contracts with experience specific to the life sciences industry (including Collaboration Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Master Service Agreements, License Agreements, Supply Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, etc.).
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to succinctly explain the reasons and purpose of contractual language.
• Experience using contract management systems.
• Ability to gather cross-functional support with sensitivity and tact, demonstrating a collaborative mindset.
• Strong attention to detail with an ability to see the big picture and recognize cross-functional effects.
• Independent, self-starting approach with demonstrated ability to thrive and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong internal and external customer service mentality and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a team.
• Successful record of creating and managing complex project plans.
• Ability to adapt to modification and changes to project plans, demonstrating flexibility to implement new strategies and tactics.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comp based on level/experience, range between 173–225K, may consider higher level based on experience.

Location

• San Diego, California
• Hybrid or West Coast remote
• Employment: Direct Hire/Perm
• Worksite: On-Site
• Country: United States

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which it operates.

If you have a disability or require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, inform the recruiter directly so arrangements can be explored.