VP & Deputy General Counsel

Join to apply for the VP & Deputy General Counsel role at GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 600 of its 3,000 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

The

Location:

This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. We offer a hybrid schedule (subject to change) provided metrics such as productivity and the quality of the deliverables are achieved.

• On‑site cafe – affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks!
• Electric vehicle charging stations on‑site
• Ergonomic assessments offered on‑site and virtually

The Culture: We foster an environment of autonomy, performance, and passion. Our team members collaborate extensively across various departments, providing high‑quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization as a whole. We value initiative, cross‑functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors.

• Competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401‑K plans (no vesting required)
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

The Deputy General Counsel is a key member of the legal leadership team, providing senior level counsel to the General Counsel, executive management and the Board of Governors. This global role spans a wide range of responsibilities, including labor and employment law, oversight of litigation, intellectual property, transactional work such as mergers and acquisitions, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, including trade controls, anti‑money laundering and anti‑corruption laws.

The role also advises on matters related to education and education compliance, including student protection, licensing, accreditation, and the fair resolution of student complaints and grievances. In addition, the Deputy General Counsel provides oversight on global health and safety, supporting compliance with workplace and student safety regulations. In all areas, the position safeguards the Institute’s nonprofit status, manages legal risk, and supports global operations across all locations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and adherence to applicable laws and regulations, in alignment with the Institute’s mission and core values.

• Advise on employee relations, workplace policies, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Human Resources on employment agreements, terminations, and workforce initiatives.

• Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes, including supervising outside counsel.
• Develop litigation strategies, evaluate risk exposure, and report to leadership and the Board.
• Direct responses to subpoenas, discovery, and pre‑litigation demands.

• Provide counsel on protection, licensing, and enforcement of the organization’s IP portfolio.
• Draft and negotiate IP‑related agreements.
• Educate staff on copyright, trademark, and fair use policies.

• Lead compliance efforts with U.S. and international regulations, including FCPA, OFAC, trade controls and AML requirements.
• Design and implement policies, training, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance.
• Conduct risk assessments and internal investigations when required.

• Oversee the global data privacy program, including GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA (as applicable).
• Advise on the development and maintenance of data protection policies, procedures, and employee training.
• Collaborate with IT and Compliance teams to oversee data security incidents and breach responses.

• Develop expertise in nonprofit corporate governance best practices and fiduciary duties and provide support to the General Counsel and…