General Counsel

The General Counsel serves as head legal counsel and chief legal officer of Calista Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively “Calista”).  This position 1) provides legal representation to the Board of Directors and management team, 2)  directs and manages all legal services of Calista - functions include providing legal advice, retaining outside counsel, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws/rules and regulations, compliance with Calista corporate policies and directives of Board of Directors, identifying and taking legal preventative measures, monitoring and updating organizational documents and company policies, drafting contracts and other binding documents, and providing legal support to management team’s policy development and legislative efforts, and 3) directs and manages Calista and subsidiary record retention programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Interact with and provide continuing broad counsel and guidance on legal matters to Calista and its managers.
Provide counsel and guidance on legal matters for subsidiary operations including but not limited to state and federal government contracting, civil construction, natural resources development, lands management, commercial real estate, and mergers and acquisitions.
Provide counsel and guidance on corporate governance for ANCSA corporation and associated nonprofits.
Serve as legal advisor to the Board of Directors.
Prepare for and advise on all matters related to the annual Shareholders’ meeting.
In coordination with Calista executives and holding line presidents, as appropriate, select, retain, and oversee, outside counsel.
Monitor state and federal statutes, rules, regulations and case law and ensure Calista conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Participate in the development of corporate policies, procedures, and programs and serve as legal advisor on all major business transactions.
Evaluate the merits of court cases filed against or on behalf of Calista, work with appropriate executive(s) and recommend settlements where warranted.
Supervise and administer the Corporation’s Records Retention Program.
Participate in annual corporate insurance renewal meeting where coverage levels and insurance products are evaluated and coverage levels for upcoming insurance year(s) are established.
Monitor corporate environment by contact with employees, visiting job sites, and observing physical working conditions.
Work with the President/CEO and provide legal support and advice to the corporate and subsidiary executives.
Manage the Legal team to include hiring, terminations, performance management, and work-flow.
Participate in Company required training.
Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Perform other duties as assigned
.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supervises the Legal department.

Job Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of the Constitution, statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations.
Strong knowledge legal codes, court procedures, precedents, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Intermediate knowledge of legal methods and processes, including the administrative regulation promulgation process, legislative drafting, and the legislative process and ability to perform related tasks.
Ability to analyze legal documents and interpret laws, regulations, and policies.
Ability to conduct administrative hearings.
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other agencies, the public, and the federal government.
Ability to effectively engage in public speaking.
Excellent technical writing skills; ability to draft and edit a wide variety of technical documents including contracts, policies, letters, etc.
Well-developed professional oral communication skills sufficient to engage in sound, clear, effective, and well-reasoned discussions with internal and external customers, and provide back-up documentation/information.
Ability to use standard business computers, with considerable knowledge of business applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Effective change management skills
Must be detail oriented; superior organizational, accuracy, review, and information management skills.
Ability to learn and understand corporate policies/procedures and how they relate to Calista’s goals.
Ability to provide leadership, counsel, motivation, and constructive feedback to others. 
Ability to work safely.
Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and process and maintain data.
Ability to keep information confidential.
Ability to use general office equipment such as fax, phone, copier, etc.
Strong professional customer service skills, including prompt service and follow-up.
Active listening skills; attentiveness when listening to others to understand and ask appropriate questions.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data and consider decision impact across multiple areas.
Strong decision analysis and problem-solving skills; ability to draw conclusions and justify decisions.
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations, detect unobvious facts and issues, and exercise resourcefulness in resolving problems.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctorate (JD) from accredited law school and Alaska Bar Member.
Ten or more years’ experience in corporate and commercial legal work; variety of legal roles, including in-house representation and/or general counsel position.
Outside legal experience in other professional settings such as litigation practice preferred.
Alaska Native Corporation experience strongly preferred.
Mergers and acquisitions experience strongly preferred.
Two or more years of management experience strongly preferred.
Valid state driver’s license and be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of Calista’s Driving Policy.
Ability to pass a drug, credit, and background screening.
 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Legal team has a fast paced, multi-tasking, customer-service oriented environment.  Although the standard work week is 40 hours, additional time may be required to meet work demands or meet deadlines. Additionally, work priorities may change on short notice.  Frequent out-of-town and out-of-state travel, typically involving over-night stays, is expected.

PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Occasionally – Bending Over, Reaching Overhead, Lifting & Carrying 50 lbs. or less. Requently – Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending Over, Talking, Repetitive use of hands/arms, Grasping, Lifting & Carrying 25 lbs. or less, Eye/Hand Coordination.

VISUAL ACUITY: Continuously – Close Vision, Depth Perception. Frequently – Distance vision, Color vision, Peripheral vision, Ability to adjust focus.

MENTAL EFFORT: Frequently – Discriminating colors. Continuously – Thinking analytically, Using Effective verbal & written Communication, Handling stress & emotions, Concentrating on tasks, Remember details, Making decisions, Adjusting to changes, Examining/observing details.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Continuously – Inside. Occasionally – Hot/Heat, Cold, Noise. Frequently – Working with others and Working alone.

PREFERENCE STATEMENT

Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and spouses, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2003-2(i).

Additionally, Calista’s policy is to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship or other protected status. When applicable, Calista’s policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

It is Calista Corporations business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. 

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.