Vice President, Legal Counsel

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Govini transforms Defense Acquisition from an outdated manual process to a software-driven strategic advantage for the United States. Our flagship product, Ark, supports Supply Chain, Science and Technology, Production, Sustainment, Logistics, and Modernization teams with AI-enabled Applications and best-in-class data to more rapidly imagine, develop, and field the capabilities we need. Today, the national security community and every branch of the military rely on Govini to enable faster and more informed Acquisition decisions.

Govini is looking for a forward-leaning, dynamic VP, Legal Counsel to join our high-growth defense tech company. As our first in-house legal counsel, this person will work closely with the CEO and Executive Team to navigate legal complexities related to government contracting and corporate matters in support of the company’s strategic objectives. The right candidate for this role is business-minded, has expert-level knowledge of the FAR and DFARS, and has experience working with growth teams in a software business.

To be successful, the candidate should have a track record of getting to “yes,” creative problem solving, ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with ambiguity, and a passion for the national security sector and issues related to U.S. defense.

This is a full time position based in Govini’s headquarters office in Arlington, VA.

This role may require up to 10% travel.

• Drive customer growth by executing new government contracts and growing existing ones. Use your expertise in federal procurement law to help the Business Development, Sales, and Capture teams efficiently capture new contracts, grow existing contracts, and set up follow‑on opportunities for future contracts. Assist in the strategy development for new business and lead or support negotiations with government acquisition officials and industry teammates.
• Manage relationships with procurement office representatives at government agencies. High‑trust professional relationships with government contracting and procurement offices are critical to the company’s continued success, and you will be called upon to develop and foster these relationships throughout your tenure.
• Provide legal counsel to and day‑to‑day partnership with the Capture and Contracts Management teams. Contribute to the development of major proposals and bid protests, lead or assist in key negotiations, resolve performance issues, identify risks and mitigations, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Oversee the company’s ethics and compliance program. Work collaboratively with People Operations to ensure development, implementation and ongoing management of the program, policies, procedures and training. Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk, and develop/implement corrective action plans.
• Support the Chief Strategy Officer in the evaluation and execution of M&A opportunities, evaluating risk, managing due diligence, and with internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead and manage all legal matters for the company including development of the legal strategy and framework in support of business needs. Collaborate with outside counsel in designated areas.
• Actively participate as a senior member of the Management Team, working directly with cross‑functional team members to provide legal and business counsel in support of the needs of each function.
• Maintain current knowledge of important legal developments that could affect our public sector work, including new federal government procurement rules, compliance requirements, transparency expectations, etc. Surface areas for action or potential new requirements to the leadership team for awareness and action as necessary.

• U.S. Citizenship is required.

• The successful candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree and the ability to obtain an active Commonwealth of Virginia or Washington, DC bar membership.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate legal environments, US government, or private practice law firm; public…