General Counsel

The General Counsel’s primary objective is to advise the company with regard to legal risk.  The General Counsel must be aware of all transactions the company is in engaged in, including those that are in their preliminary stages.  This will ensure limited risk exposure to the bottom line, personnel and the company’s public image.  Given the nature of Ahtna, Inc.’s business operations, the General Counsel is expected to be a subject matter expert on ANCSA, ANILCA, Corporate Governance, land protection and development, Alaska native hunting and fishing rights, customary and traditional hunting and fishing rights of Alaska Native peoples, government and nongovernment contracts, and employment law.  The General Counsel oversees Legal, Risk Management, and Ethics and Compliance.  The General Counsel will serve as a key member of Ahtna, Inc.’s Management Team, and will have additional job responsibilities in overseeing that organizational objectives are met.

Salary DOE
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Performs as the primary legal strategist for legal business matters to the AI President, AN Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors and Committees, and other executives within the organization
• Provides legal counsel to the company through members of senior management and the Board by providing business-oriented advice and partnering with all company organizations to drive and meet business objectives preparing documents to support same
• Acts as advisor to or coordinates on legal issues involving the organization’s government and regulatory compliance as well as risk management from the legal/business perspective
• Serves as the subject matter expert on ANCSA, ANILCA and corporate governance issues, and guides the organization on issues including Alaska native hunting and fishing rights, government and nongovernment contracts, employment law, and land and resource management
• Supports business development functions.  Manages contract review and risk management team by providing guidance, negotiation strategy and leadership for all revenue generating contracts and other agreements
• Implements and enforces corporate compliance programs
• Represents Ahtna, Inc. and its subsidiaries in legal briefing and hearings or court appearances, as necessary
• Assists with formation of new companies, drafting company policies, providing position papers, and drafting/reviewing legal agreements
• Selects, develops, and evaluates the Legal, Compliance, Risk, and strategically selects, retains and manages cost-effective outside resources including outside legal counsel
• Manages department within budget while delivering solid, innovative, timely results
• Develop and deliver training on various issues
• Other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school required
Admitted to the Alaska Bar Association
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a licensed attorney, with minimum 5 years supervisory/management experience.  Experience in the following areas required:
• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Alaska National Interests Lands and Conservation Act or ANILCA and Alaska Native issues and concerns generally, including land and resource management, Alaska native hunting and fishing rights, shareholder relations, and corporate governance
• Drafting and negotiating contracts, and litigation management experience
• Alaska Driver’s license and be willing to travel occasionally

 
Preferred Qualifications
• Government contracting, Small Business Administration 8(a) program, and construction operations.
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures

Shareholder Preference
Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendants, and Spouses in all phases of employment.

Physical Demands (Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.)
Frequent sitting for prolonged periods of time, using hands/fingers requiring dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, reaching with hands and arms for items above and below desk level, talking, hearing, and seeing (up close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus); walking from place to place within the office with occasional use of stairs and no elevator available; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 2 hours; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds such as small office equipment, files, stacks of paper, reference and other materials. 

Work is performed in an office setting with ability to speak and receive phone communications often.  Work requires computer usage with strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity to use keyboard and video display terminal and other office equipment.  Moderate travel required to shareholder communities, subsidiary offices and other locations as needed.
[Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions]. 

Pre-employment Drug Testing Information:   Ahtna Incorporated requires pre-employment drug testing utilizing urinalysis collection.  A positive drug test makes you ineligible for employment with Ahtna, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Supervision
May supervise others

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.