JOB SUMMARY 
The Senior Vice President and General Counsel is the primary legal advisor and legal strategist to the Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Team and the Board of Directors. This position is responsible for overseeing the entire legal function and all of the associated responsibilities.  You need to have a strong strategic and tactical capability and will be an integral part of POET’s Leadership Team. 

A TYPICAL DAY COULD INCLUDE: 

Plans and directs all aspects of an organization's legal affairs and ensures maximum protection of its legal rights.
Leads the defense of the organization in lawsuits and the prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of the organization against others.
Proactively counsels the POET Leadership Team and Board of Directors on a broad range of business, regulatory and compliance matters to include identifying areas of risk and making suggestions for improvement.
Proactively provides strategic input on highly complex matters across the business.
Coordinates regulatory actions/interactions with the External Affairs and Communications team.
Develops and implements regulatory legal strategies that advance the business objectives of POET.
Oversees legal advice delivered to and by both inside and outside counsel.
Responsible for supporting the development and implementation of policies that will ensure that POET complies with all applicable laws and appropriately mitigates risk, including but not limited to:

Business transactions and solutions
Corporate ethics
Risk management
Employment matters
Retention and fiscal management of outside counsel
Contracts
Intellectual Property (IP)
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
Records retention
Corporate privacy and security

Leads a team of in-house legal professionals including the responsibility for attracting, developing, directing, motivating and driving the performance of the team and Legal function.
Leads by example and set expectations within the organization in regards to upholding the highest level of integrity and confidentiality in the organization.
Consults with owner on personal/family matters.
Negotiates transactions on behalf of the company.
Maintains a team environment with other areas of the business and act as a positive agent for change by providing ideas, solutions and feedback to continually improve business practices and results.
Participates and enhances the POET culture.
Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

 
STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: 

Fifteen plus years general corporate legal experience, including significant experience in a relevant in-house position in a business environment.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA accredited nationally-recognized law school with superior academic credentials and have active membership in good standing in at least one state bar association.
Licensed to practice law in at least one state and willing and able to become licensed in South Dakota within one year of joining POET.
Excellent organizational skills, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to work well in a team.
A strategic thinker who can apply their intellect and creativity in providing sound risk assessments and innovative legal solutions.
Assertive, self-motivated, and results-oriented with an entrepreneurial spirit.
An effective corporate leader and manager of executives, lawyers, staff and outside counsel who builds and maintains the confidence of the Company and its senior leadership.
Able to proactively recognize and anticipate a wide and broad variety of legal issues that may affect the Company.
Thorough understanding of the biofuels industry and passionate about being involved in a constantly evolving, mission-driven business.
Superior verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, confidently and professionally with all levels within the company regarding difficult and complex issues.
Excellent problem solving and decision making skills, with a proven ability to provide advice, counseling and representation that is understandable and pragmatic, relying on both a comprehensive business and legal foundation.
Strong business acumen, common sense and sound judgment.
Superior negotiation skills.
Unquestionable professional standards and personal integrity.
Knows the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s our code.
This position is largely self-directed and requires understanding of company policy, procedures, and values. Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments. This position operates in an office environment. In the office, the team member will work on a personal computer.
Some travel may be required; driving and/or flying.
Specific physical requirements include:

Sitting approximately 90% of the time while working on a personal computer.
Occasionally lifting weights of fifty (50) pounds or less