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Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

Full Time

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia region’s Partners with a Purpose. Nationally ranked among the most active seed and early-stage investors, Ben Franklin works to help high-growth innovative enterprises plant and nurture their roots, creating both immediate connections and lasting economic growth.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Ben Franklin has supported more than 2,000 companies to deliver an impact of more than $5 billion and 32,000 jobs in the Philadelphia region. Whether in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, or industries and breakthroughs still yet discovered, we work each day to raise our community of innovation higher to benefit present and future generations of Pennsylvanians. We are part of a statewide network of Ben Franklin organizations that work to catalyze growth throughout Pennsylvania by providing resources that foster innovation and success for both startup companies and established businesses.

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee all operational and legal aspects of Ben Franklin and its affiliates.
• Manage the organization’s day-to-day functions to ensure good communication, efficient operations, appropriate use of resources, and ensure a healthy, positive work environment.
• Manage the administration of internal policies, procedures, and operational controls necessary to ensure accurate and timely reports. Ensure that the staff and administrative areas provide appropriate support to the line areas and complete their assigned tasks in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
• Facilitate Ben Franklin’s Annual Operating Planning process.
• With the rest of the management team, provide leadership to ensure Ben Franklin is an open and diverse enterprise.
• Interface with Ben Franklin’s outside legal counsel as required and manage external counsel and general litigation.
• Maintain knowledge of legislative and regulatory framework specific to and potentially impacting the organization and provide advice/recommendations regarding advisable actions.
• These include but are not limited to:
• Undertake research and analysis on issues that may impact the organization.
• Respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and the business community.
• Undertake research and analysis on issues that may impact the organization.
• Respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and the business community.
• Assist management in various compliance related matters related to funding and investments.
• Guide management on regulatory and compliance issues to ensure compliance with respective legal regulations.
• Serve as an in-house legal expert providing guidance on legislation and regulation impacting Ben Franklin.
• Provide legal support to the investment functions of the organization, including but not limited to:
• Review closing legal documents issued by counsel for other investors to ensure terms are agreeable to Ben Franklin. Interface with other investors’ counsel as required to propose or resolve language changes.
• Review internal template documents for each technology sector to ensure consistency across sectors. Seek opportunities to simplify documentation where possible. Negotiate changes with counter-parties as needed.
• Prepare Workout Agreements as needed.
• Assist with Due Diligence review of company agreements on an as-needed basis.
• Assist with Intellectual Property Due Diligence as required.
• Advise and assist staff in decisions pertaining to maturity extensions and other loan/investment modifications.
• Oversee human resources management, including development and implementation of policies and procedures covering employment, benefits administration, orientation, training, and other such HR functions as may from time to time be required.
• Oversee operations related to facilities management under the entity Building 100 Limited Partners, LLC.
• Oversee and direct the information systems functions, including proposed investments in hardware, software, systems training, security, and monitoring of the Ben Franklin contingency plan.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualification/Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited university.
• Currently licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• The candidate should have 5-10 years of experience in managing enterprise operations.
• The candidate should have 10-15 years of experience in areas including venture capital, private equity, and general corporate governance. Experience working on transactions in financial services is a plus.
• Must be able to work autonomously with minimal oversight.
• Possess sound legal/business judgment and have a demonstrated ability to find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills – able to contribute to a professional work environment by demonstrating integrity, promoting teamwork, and fostering positive communication.
• Analytical ability and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively present information to senior management, staff, and board.
• Ability to effectively oversee multiple departments with diverse functions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to competently manage multiple concurrent projects and transactions.
• Excellent project management skills, strong personal accountability, follow-up, and initiative.
• Creative problem-solving ability and the ability to balance business and legal needs.
• Mental agility and adaptability.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to set priorities and meet multiple simultaneous deadlines.

Compensation:
Competitive compensation, including full benefits and match to organization’s 403b plan.