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.
SpecializedKnowledge/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.