Senior Director, Corporate Counsel

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Corporate Counsel is responsible for advising the Company on securities, general corporate, transactional, and governance matters. The Senior Director will report to the Associate General Counsel. 

This position is remote with corporate headquarters in Foster City and Parsippany, NJ.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drafts and provides counsel in support of SEC filings, including current and periodic reports and announcements, proxy statements, and other regulatory filings and reports
• Serves as a subject matter expert on corporate compliance and disclosure items, drafts and advises on new disclosures, and coordinates and assists with financial disclosures
• Reviews public announcements, including press releases and corporate, investor, and scientific presentations
• Maintains and advises on the corporate insider trading policy and program, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans
• Provides counsel in support of the Company’s equity plans, programs, and grant agreements
• Provides legal support on various types of transactions, including equity investments, joint ventures, credit facilities, corporate financings, corporate restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, negotiation of terms, drafting of documentation, and regulatory filings
• Oversees the coordination and maintenance of records for all due diligence requests and the Company’s electronic data rooms
• Supports the Company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and other corporate governance efforts
• Assists with Board and committee meetings
• Assists with the development and upkeep of relevant securities, general corporate, and corporate governance agreements, forms, and legal policies
• Engages and manages the work of outside counsel and advisors

Competencies

• Possesses strong working knowledge of U.S. securities laws and regulations and the ability to quickly learn, interpret, and apply changes in such laws, regulations, and policies
• Demonstrates ability to both collaborate and work independently, balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high level of professionalism
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly, proactively, and effectively with all colleagues 
• Ability to contribute strategically to the Company’s business
• Possesses excellent drafting, editing, and negotiation skills and attention to detail
• Shows flexibility, is open to change in a rapidly growing environment, and is willing to accept new responsibilities as needed
• Ability to handle confidential and proprietary information using excellent discretion and judgment

Experience

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school in the U.S.
• 10-15 years of SEC reporting experience at a law firm and/or as in-house counsel.
• Experience with biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies and prior in-house experience strongly preferred
• Experience evaluating relevant legal exposure and interpreting relevant laws and policies to provide expert risk management advice

Benefit Statement:

All regular-status, full-time employees of Geron are eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefit program, pursuant to plan terms and conditions.  Plan choices include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, supplemental health insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and an employee stock purchase plan.  Geron also provides regular-status, full-time employees with a generous time off program that includes the eligibility to accrue 160 hours of vacation during each full year of employment, 64 hours of sick leave, 9 standard paid holiday days off, and paid leave for certain life events.  Geron recognizes that its employees work in many different states and therefore may be affected by different laws.  It is Geron’s intention to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that apply to the Company’s employees.

Salary Statement:

Offered compensation is determined based on market data, internal equity, and an applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and educational background.  The salary ranges displayed below are only for those who, if selected for the role, will perform work in the specific locations listed.  Please note the employment opportunity is not limited to these locations. 

General Salary Range: $280,000 to $300,000