Vice President, Legal Operations

Overview

This role is responsible for overseeing the organization’s legal operations, contracting function, strategic transactions, and legal support for corporate growth initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the Vice President, Legal Operations serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and partners closely with finance, business development, and functional leaders to enable business objectives while effectively managing legal and operational risk.

In a dynamic biotechnology environment, this position provides practical, business-focused legal guidance across operational processes and systems, with an initial focus on strengthening and scaling contracting operations. The role also supports strategic transactions and initiatives, including potential partnering agreements, licensing transactions, and targeted acquisitions, as well as other organizational transformation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the contracting function, including developing scalable contracting processes, templates, policies, and governance frameworks to improve efficiency and manage risk.
• Serve as the lead legal advisor for strategic transactions, including structuring and negotiating transactions, leading due diligence to assess risk and mitigation strategies, and supporting post-transaction integration efforts.
• Develop a vision for a best-in-class, future-fit legal and compliance function that leverages technology, including artificial intelligence.
• Establish legal operations best practices across the Legal and Compliance department, including matter management, budgeting, use of systems and technology, and outside counsel oversight.
• Partner with executive leadership to support organizational growth and transformation initiatives, including driving stakeholder alignment and change adoption across multiple functions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the organization as a trusted advisor and collaborative business partner; interact with the Board of Directors to provide periodic updates on strategic matters.
• Help build and mentor a high-performing team and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a member of the Legal and Compliance leadership team to steer the department and ensure efficient, risk-based, fit-for-purpose, business-oriented support of all functions.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant healthcare compliance experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and/or life sciences industry, with demonstrated legal operations experience and experience designing, implementing, and/or enhancing organizational contracting processes.
• Experience operating in a dynamic, small but fast-growing biotechnology environment, with a proven track record in effecting organizational change.
• Experience structuring, drafting, and negotiating licensing, M&A, and other complex strategic transactions.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, a problem-solving mindset, and ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and at all levels of the organization and with external parties.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Direct leadership and team management experience, with a proven ability to organize, manage, develop, and lead legal teams in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing and reviewing SEC filings and compliance with SEC requirements; experience supporting capital markets transactions, including equity offerings.
• Knowledge of Internal Audit with SOX compliance matters.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated pay range: $321,000 - $361,000 USD
• Final offer may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

Location & Work Conditions

• Remote work opportunities within the United States.
• Due to business considerations related to health insurance coverage and state tax regulations, the organization is unable to hire employees who reside and/or work in certain states. Applicants from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan and Tennessee are not currently being considered.
• Travel to the corporate location in Cambridge, MA several times a year and attend other company-related events as necessary and requested.
• Access to a work setting that enables meeting all role requirements (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at the remote location.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Accommodations are available for candidates who require them in the selection process.

Massachusetts Lie Detector Law

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.