Commercial Counsel, Public Sector at Menlo Ventures Management, L.P

About the role:

We believe that partnering with governments will be integral to our mission of developing advanced AI for the long-term benefit of humankind, and we’re seeking our first Commercial Counsel specializing in government contracts to serve as a key architect of our public sector agreements. You'll be a strategic partner to both our policy team, designing and negotiating pioneering agreements for governments to “red team” our models, and to our business, finding ways to support public servants with cutting-edge AI technologies, and negotiating complex contracts. We'll rely on you to be a thought leader and execution partner to our business and policy teams as part of our rapidly-growing, close-knit commercial function.

Responsibilities:

1. Partner with company leaders on strategy and evaluating contracting opportunities, translating the government contracting world for leaders, and translating strategy into contracts.
2. Craft, negotiate and close complex government contracts, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and agency-specific requirements.
3. Advise sales and partnerships teams on go-to-market strategies for the government sector, including navigating procurement processes and identifying opportunities.
4. Advise policy teams on strategic engagements with government agencies and related organizations.
5. Provide guidance to the business on government contract administration, performance, and compliance matters.
6. Actively participate in the Commercial Legal Team's scaling and building efforts, and enhance our collegial and supportive team culture.

You may be a good fit if you have:

1. A JD; active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California or DC preferred).
2. 8+ years of related legal experience (in-house preferred) with at least 5 years of experience developing and negotiating government contracts, research agreements, SaaS agreements, and technology transactions.
3. Deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS and other government contracting regulations and processes, including OTAs and CRADAs.
4. Experience advising businesses on selling into the government sector, including strategies for marketing to agencies and winning contracts.
5. Excellent analytical and communication skills that enable you to effectively support cross-functional teams and interact with government customers.
6. Intense curiosity about novel technology and science, and an aptitude for learning quickly.
7. A "doer" attitude, and are willing to roll up your sleeves to support your team and the company.
8. Strong integrity and empathy, and see these as part of what you bring to your work and work environment.

Strong candidates may also have:

1. Experience in government service.
2. Experience supporting emerging technologies in the government space.
3. Familiarity with intellectual property (patent, trade secret, copyright) issues in government contracts.
4. Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.