Senior Counsel

Senior Counsel

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more. 

MxD’s is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.  Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees.  MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation. 

+ Position Overview

The Senior Counsel will report to the General Counsel and is responsible for managing MxD’s legal and compliance priorities. The Senior Counsel will serve as the General Counsel’s representative for various projects and programs across the organization. This position is also responsible for working with the Director of Business Operations and the Contracts Manager of the organization to ensure that compliance,  policies, and procedures are fully documented and appropriately disseminated.  This includes drafting, revising and implementing policies and procedures, as necessary.  

An ideal candidate will be a legal generalist with experience negotiating and ensuring compliance with contracts, contract agreements, and other regulations. This candidate will have experience in contracting requirements and be able to understand and articulate contract stipulations, risks, and options to internal stakeholders. This individual will be able to build relationships with key internal and external collaborators to provide guidance related to contract stipulations and internal compliance. 

This position also provides legal advice and ensures the company adheres to relevant laws and regulations by reviewing business practices, drafting compliance policies, conducting internal investigations, and advising departments on potential legal risks, all while collaborating closely with business leaders to achieve company goals while maintaining ethical standards. 

 + Position Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Proactively monitor and identify potential compliance and legal issues, coordinating solutions to address concerns
• Regularly review company operations to identify potential risks across areas like anti-bribery, data privacy, environmental regulations, and financial reporting.
• Advise on employment law issues and employee relations
• Provide legal guidance to departments on compliance matters, including contract review, business transactions, and employee relations.
• Analyze contracts to ensure compliance with company policies, government and commercial specifications, business priorities, and other requirements with guidance from the General Counsel and Senior Leadership Team.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel, senior management, and business units, to ensure compliance and risk analysis is integrated into strategic decision-making. 
• Serve as an empowered representative for the Company as a liaison with member companies, responsible for building effective relationships and managing contracts to support business goals and objectives
• Develop new organization policies and procedures, working cross-functionally within the organization and document accordingly; as well as manage the periodic review of organizational policies and procedures
• Provide advice and expertise in corporate governance and intellectual property matters, including trademarks and patents.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel as needed.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management and the board of directors as directed.

+ Position Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and membership in good standing with the Illinois Bar Association, or able to get a motion to be admitted into the Illinois Bar Association
• 6+ years of corporate practice or equivalent, government contracting preferred
• Proven experience in corporate, compliance law, or litigation, preferably within the industries the company supports and/or government contracting
• Effective communication and presentation skills to educate stakeholders on compliance, risk, and other legal matters
• Experience with 2 CFR 200 and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) a plus
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, along with excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and time management skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, manage competing priorities, and use good judgment when resolving issues
• Must be local to Chicagoland and available to be onsite 2-5 days a week
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in legal research and writing
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Experience with Concord Contract Management Software and Monday.com is preferred, but not required

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement 

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us. 

Accommodations Include: 

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process. 
• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience. 
• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.