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Come join our Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL) corporate team! We are a great place to work and offer many employee-friendly perks and benefits. GSL is the manager of the Goddard School franchise system that supports over 630 schools which delivers a high-quality, play-based learning program to families all over the United States. Our successful franchise business model supports franchisees through partnerships with teams of seasoned professionals who draw over 30 years of business, marketing, IT, franchise, finance, and education experience. Because of this, The Goddard School has grown into an institution that parents and families trust, reaching more than 80,000 students in 38 states – and growing.

Position Summary

Goddard Systems, LLC, manager of the national The Goddard School® franchise system, has immediate need for a Corporate Counsel who will be responsible for the daily operation of a fast-paced, diverse and dynamic in-house practice. The ideal candidate is a solutions-oriented corporate generalist/transactional attorney with experience in an in-house setting able to meet high demand with high quality work. The position reports to and closely works with the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer in assessing and managing the legal aspects of the Company’s business.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the Company’s day-to-day legal function across a variety of subject matters including franchising, compliance, data privacy and security, sales and marketing, human resources, real estate, and litigation.

• Contributes to positive business outcomes through practical, timely, high-quality legal advice and guidance to senior business leadership, including members of the C-Suite.
• Partners with the CLO to set and execute the Legal function’s strategic direction to support and enable the Company’s strategy and goals.
• Provides legal expertise including the drafting and hands-on negotiation of commercial contracts in close collaboration with business partners; supervises the contract lifecycle with support from legal team members.
• Provides advice and guidance shaping the Company’s risk profile while working with the CLO and Risk Management Director and others to minimize risk across the Company and franchise system.
• Oversees compliance with applicable laws and regulations and manages the Company’s intellectual property interests.
• Advocates for the Company and the industry through participation in the Company’s Government Relations work.
• Manages outside counsel on legal and regulatory aspects of the business and litigation matters.
• Advises on significant corporate communications matters.

Experience And Competencies

_Minimum Requirements

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• Demonstrated record of supporting business outcomes.
• Oriented to collaborative problem solving and building trust across a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to explain and simplify complex legal issues to a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong management and organization skills with great attention to detail.
• Must enjoy working in a busy environment and be able to balance and execute on competing demands and priorities with minimum supervision.
• Exceptional writing skills - writing sample required.
• D. from an accredited U.S. law school.
• 10 years’ minimum experience as an attorney working in a corporation and/or law firm, preferably with franchise, transactional and employment law experience.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing, must be eligible to practice in Pennsylvania under the Rules of Professional Conduct

_Highly Desired

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• Corporate in-house legal experience greatly preferred.
• Experience in people management or leading a team.
• Experience with contract management systems.

There will be periodic requirements to travel for in-person events, at the discretion of your manager or the requirement of the company.