Associate/Deputy General Counsel* for Agriculture & Environment

Position Title: Associate/Deputy General Counsel* for Agriculture & Environment

            (*Exact title will depend on seniority of individual hired for the position)

Department: Legal and Intellectual Property

Reports to: General Counsel & Head of Public Policy    

Position summary:  Serve as in-house counsel managing legal advice and services with respect to legal, policy, and regulatory matters affecting the agricultural and environmental biotechnology industries, primarily the regulatory activities of USDA and EPA, and related legislative activities.

Responsibilities:

1.     To serve as legal counsel to the Food & Agriculture (F&A) and Industrial & Environmental (I&E) Sections of BIO, including providing regulatory counsel and support, litigation management and support, antitrust counsel, and advice and support on  governance and compliance issues.

2.     To provide legal assistance on product stewardship and other voluntary industry self-regulatory initiatives, as well as communication campaigns, related to the F&A and I&E Sections.

3.     To provide legal assistance, as necessary, on state, federal, and international legislative, regulatory, and trade-related matters for BIO’s F&A and I&E Sections.

4.     Manage the efficient use of outside counsel within all of the above subject matter areas.

5.     Assist with other legal activities of the Organization, as requested by the General Counsel.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal framework for agricultural biotechnology, and/or renewable fuels, bio-based products, or bio-based chemicals under the Plant Protection Act, the Clean Air Act, TSCA or FIFRA.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory/legislative processes.
• Knowledge of trade association-specific law (including antitrust and consumer protection) and general legislative and regulatory advocacy laws preferred.
• Knowledge of the biotechnology industry strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and accurately with other BIO staff, Member companies, Board members, and regulatory agency personnel.
• Strong inter-personal skills, and the ability to build consensus and foster compromise among sometimes competing interests.
• The ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Excellent academic credentials, including JD.
• At least five (5) years of relevant legal experience required, preferably in a trade association, government regulatory agency, or similar organization.
• Experience interacting with Boards of Directors and senior executives strongly preferred.