Chief Legal Officer

JOB TITLE: Chief Legal Officer

CLUBS: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC

DEPARTMENT: Legal & External Affairs

REPORTS TO: President of Business Operations

TYPE: Full Time; Exempt

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era as one soccer family with a shared commitment of excellence and growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) for Seattle Sounders and Reign FC, will serve as an critical member of the executive leadership team, committed to working collaboratively with colleagues across all disciplines to achieve optimal outcomes for both clubs. This role requires a strategic, growth-minded leader with extensive experience and knowledge in corporate legal fields including corporate governance. They will serve as a fiduciary, ensuring legal compliance across all organizational and clubs’ operations, providing expert advice on all legal issues, proactively managing risk for the organization, and facilitating strategic business initiatives.

The position demands substantial legal expertise, a robust understanding of corporate law, and a dedication to growing, managing, and supervising a legal team including additional in-house attorneys and diverse outside legal resources. They must also exhibit high ethical standards and demonstrate management and interpersonal skills to effectively manage relationships and strategic goals within the pace of the professional sports industry. They will be engaged to grow and develop others as part of our organizational commitment to develop people. They will be responsible for aligning the organization's legal strategies with its overarching mission and values and business objectives while responding adeptly to changes in the external environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Legal Leadership & Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive legal strategy that drives business objectives of both clubs. Ensure legal initiatives are integrated into corporate strategy and operational practice.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead the in-house legal team, ensuring high levels of performance and professional growth. Mentor team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
• Contract Negotiation and Management: Negotiate, draft, and review agreements and contracts and ensure that contracts align with our strategic goals and protect the organization's legal and financial interests.
• Strategic Investments: Advise on legal aspects of the company’s financing, acquisitions, real estate development, and investments.
• Government and Regulatory Affairs: Manage all aspects of governmental interactions and regulatory compliance. Act as the primary liaison with government agencies and officials, and lead advocacy efforts on legislation that impacts the clubs. Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Compliance and Ethics: Oversee compliance program at organization level and as required of both clubs in accordance with MLS, NWSL, and/or sanctioning federation, league or competition-based policies. Champion a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization by developing and overseeing effective compliance programs. Advise, develop and draft organizational policies and implement changes in the law and relevant regulatory regimes.
• Legal Counsel and Advisory: Provide expert and strategic legal advice to the executive leadership team, making recommendations on major business decisions and corporate governance matters. Stay informed of industry-specific laws and regulations that may affect the organization.
• Values, Community and Public Relations: Exemplify organizational values in all behaviors and actions, including in representing the organization and/or clubs externally in the community.
• Continual Learning: Participate annually in continuing education with respect to legal issues affecting professional sports, including but not limited to emerging technologies, software, AI-based infrastructure, intellectual property and employer law.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and license to practice in Washington State, or ability to become licensed in near term
• Legal practice experience at an outside firm or corporate practice totaling a minimum of 10 years.
• Experience in sports & entertainment, employee and human resources issues, licensing, real estate and investment transactions, a plus.
• Able to balance legal risks with business objectives in a practical manner.
• Flexible and able to react to a fast-paced work environment in a prompt, thoughtful and calm manner.
• Full comprehension of the influences of the external environment of a corporation.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Excellent judgment and analytical skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong capacity for collaboration and active listening.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the to the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.
• Aligned to club values: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a hybrid position working from home and from the Performance Center and Clubhouse in Renton WA and matches at Lumen Field and Starfire as needed.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits.

The annual salary range for this position is $218,000 - $385,000 with an opportunity for additional bonuses. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents
• Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation, and offseason time off to support employee health and well-being
• 401k retirement plan matching
• Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents
• Discounts on club merchandise and partner products
• Complimentary tickets to matches
• Discounts on club merchandise and partner products
• Growth opportunities, employee learning and development programs to support professional and personal growth
• Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our HR Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.