The Job Title:  VP & General Counsel

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 600 of its 3,000 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment. Click here to learn more about GIA! 

The Location: This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. 

The Environment: 

• On-site cafe - affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks! 

• Economic friendly services - electric vehicle charging stations on-site 

• Ergonomic assessments offered on-site and virtually

The Culture: We foster an environment of autonomy, performance, and passion. Our team members collaborate extensively across various departments, providing high-quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization as a whole. We value initiative, cross-functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors. 

What to expect: 

• We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans 

• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

GIA’s Legal Affairs Team is the Institute’s dedicated in-house law firm, policy consultant, thought partner and all-around advisor. The team helps GIA do the right thing the right way, make better decisions, understand and manage risks, and creatively navigate challenges.

GIA’s Legal Affairs team is responsible for overseeing all the Institute’s global legal matters and programs. We champion GIA’s mission and strategies, role-model its values, and protect our Institute in concert with our colleagues. We're a small and high-performing team with a great culture and a passion for delivering big-impact results. We're seeking a General Counsel to join and lead our team. This role will report to GIA’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GIA’s General Counsel is a corporate legal generalist capable of delivering and managing high quality, responsive legal support to all of GIA’s global operations. This role serves as a senior member of the executive team and is the chief legal advisor for the Institute. This role works closely with all members of the global leadership team including the President and CEO, our Board of Governors and senior management. Our General Counsel is responsible for addressing legal risk and oversees the Institute’s legal services including the negotiation of key contracts and agreements, litigation, privacy, employment matters, intellectual property, and other advisory services. GIA’s General Counsel oversees global corporate governance and will serve as the Corporate Secretary to GIA US.

The General Counsel works closely with the Institute’s Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer to ensure employees understand our core values and the principles outlined in GIA’s Code of Conduct as well as legal mandates in order to allow the Institute to operate in compliance with the law and in accordance with its mission at all global locations. It is planned that GIA’s Ethics and Compliance function will be transitioning to the General Counsel.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsel the President and CEO, as well senior leadership on matters arising under U.S. law and provide guidance on matters arising under the laws of the Institute’s global locations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
• Working with the Manager of Global Corporate Governance, implement good corporate governance for GIA US and its subsidiary boards and committees. Manage the planning of Board and Committee meetings, and act as