Assistant General Counsel

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and around the globe who play a critical part in providing recycled materials to America’s manufacturing industries. Based in Washington, D.C., we promote safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible recycling through education, networking, and advocacy. 

ReMA is seeking a motivated and highly analytical Assistant General Counsel and Director of Contracts and Trademarks (AGCDCT) to contribute to the legal integrity of the Association. Reporting to the General Counsel (GC) this position will play a key role in managing legal risk, ensuring compliance and providing sound legal advice across all ReMA initiatives. 

We believe in fostering a collaborative yet flexible environment through our hybrid work model. ReMA staff enjoy the benefit of working from home up to three days per week complemented by a minimum of two days in our dynamic Washington, DC office to facilitate in-person collaboration. Specific office days are coordinated with your supervisor and may adjust to meet evolving business requirements.  

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages legal department projects, including routine contract management and maintenance, and other department projects, such as implementing a contracts management program for staff and drafting organizational policies on emerging issues (such as AI usage in the workplace).
• Oversees ReMA's intellectual property portfolio, with a focus on domestic and foreign trademarks. This involves supervising outside counsel for trademark maintenance, securing and protecting brand assets (including web domains) from recent rebranding efforts, training staff and the Board on IP use, developing comprehensive IP protection and enforcement policies, and taking necessary action against infringement.
• Assists the ReMA Board and staff with antitrust compliance. Provides regular trainings, reviews existing policies, drafts new policies, reviews Board meeting materials and other presentations, monitors ReMA sponsored events and meetings, and stays up to date on cases and new developments in the law.
• Assists the GC with advising the ReMA Board on corporate governance matters and legal requirements pertaining to nonprofit membership organizations. 
• Oversees corporate governance functions for the ReMA Board and its affiliated entities including chapters, regions and the foundation. This involves reviewing and updating key documents such as agendas, minutes, correspondence, and Board policies. They also manage the maintenance of all corporate governance records, ensure proper oversight of meeting and election processes for the Board, chapters, and regions, and stay current on relevant nonprofit governance laws.
• Advises members and staff on legal policy matters in coordination with the ReMA GC.
• Supports the efficient operation of the legal department through key administrative functions, also assisting the ReMA President as required. Responsibilities include maintaining and updating all corporate policy manuals and bylaws, systematically organizing legal files and contracts, and managing departmental invoices and contributing to budget oversight.
• Acts as a key legal and operational liaison for ReMA's SREA Program. In this role, they work closely with member liaisons and third-party vendors to support program needs, ensure invoice accuracy through detailed review, develop educational resources like webinars, and guide ReMA members through complex correspondence from Superfund PRPs and government agencies.
• Provides critical legal counsel and expertise to the Advocacy, Sustainability, and Safety teams. This involves conducting in-depth legal research and writing on federal environmental statutes and regulations, analyzing emerging trends to help prioritize association efforts, and evaluating the potential effects of proposed or enacted federal and state legislation, program changes, or court decisions on the recycled materials industry. The Assistant General Counsel also reviews and provides input on advocacy work products like model legislation and manages complex legal matters and litigation under the General Counsel's oversight, including the supervision of outside counsel.

This is not an attempt to list all essential functions of the position. Job duties may change over time based on organizational and department needs. 

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and Bar admission in any state
• Bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant work experience; experience with Trade Association governance is highly helpful. 
• Willingness to learn and improve upon existing legal skillset. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable delivering presentations to both small and large audiences upon request.
• Should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively and credibly with executive leadership, board members, and staff, as well as with external organizations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, ability to work under      deadline pressure, and adapt to changes in workload. 
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information when required.

Working Conditions

• Salary range for this position is between $115K - $125k. 
• Some travel will be required (15-25%) to attend annual meetings and other events.
• This position operates in a professional office environment. It requires the routine use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers. The role may occasionally involve extended periods of sitting or standing and minor physical tasks such as lifting objects up to forty pounds.
• ReMA offers an exceptional benefits package including eighty percent employer paid employee insurance, a generous 401k contribution, 3-weeks of paid vacation, paid family leave, telework, professional development assistance, and more! The 

Recycled Materials Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.