Deputy General Counsel, VP of Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary

The Deputy General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor, business partner and leader within Somos, modeling the culture embodied in the company’s vision and values. 

 As a senior legal and strategy advisor, the Deputy General Counsel will:

• Work closely with the Chief Legal & Trust Officer and other members of the Executive Leadership Team on strategic planning and advancing strategic initiatives, both in North America and globally. 
• Oversee all legal aspects of Somos’ number administration roles, compliance with government contract requirements and tariff, privacy and data governance compliance. 
• Help manage a broad range of corporate governance matters, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Legal & Trust Officer and members of the Board of Directors. 
• In  partnership with the Chief People Officer, lead the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and initiatives. 

 This position will require the Deputy General Counsel to be a highly competent legal professional and possess the organizational and leadership skills to help the company achieve its strategic goals.  The Deputy General Counsel must have a proven ability to work collaboratively across the organization and drive complex initiatives forward.  The Deputy General Counsel must also demonstrate a superior level of legal and critical thinking skills, political acumen and business judgment.  This position requires the Deputy General Counsel to work independently while possessing experience and judgement to know when to involve others.  To succeed in this position, the Deputy General Counsel must be a practical business advisor, creative thinker and problem-solver and establish and maintain strong working relationships across the organization. 

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of Somos’ business and strategy in order to serve as a trusted legal and strategic advisor to colleagues throughout the company.
• Work closely with the Chief Legal & Trust Officer to manage the annual strategic planning initiative, including leading a collaborative process to develop a strategy roadmap and corporate goals

• Participate as a member of the Strategic Planning Team defining and overseeing strategic initiatives across Somos

• Work collaboratively with the Public Policy team to execute on strategies to strengthen Somos reputation within North America and globally

• Execute on Board governance initiatives and Board committee work; Act as Assistant Secretary

• In partnership with the Chief People Officer, lead the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives

• Oversee all legal aspects of Somos’ number administration roles, compliance with government contract requirements and tariff, privacy and data governance compliance

• Demonstrate strong leadership by embracing and championing Somos values and leading by example

• Work collaboratively throughout the company to advance complex initiatives and further the company’s business and strategy

• Perform other duties as assigned 

Working Conditions

• Remote “Work Together Anywhere” position with home office environment using standard office equipment
• Primarily a non-travel role but may be requested to travel up to 15% for meetings, company annual Summit, and other industry events                                                                                         

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• JD degree from accredited law school and membership in good standing with the state bar
• 15+ years relevant experience, ideally with experience in telecommunications or other regulated industry
• Experience working on matters of corporate governance and with a board of directors
• Proven record of providing strategic legal analysis and advice and being a creative problem solver with the capability of presenting practical legal solutions
• Ability to exercise strategic judgment in evaluating and resolving issues; Able to critically examine business practices and work as part of a team to resolve complex issues in a creative, collaborative manner
• Proven record of integrity and ability to work well with colleagues throughout an organization
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts clearly
• Ability to independently and effectively manage a substantial workload; Strong organizational skills and accountability

Somos is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status. 

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.