Burning Man Project
Associate General Counsel
Burning Man Project, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Job Summary
The Associate General Counsel reports to the General Counsel and provides legal and strategic support and advice to Burning Man Project (the “Organization”) on the wide range of legal matters that arise in the Organization’s operations. The Associate General Counsel’s principal duties include: providing advice and counsel to all departments within the Organization; project‑managing litigation and administrative proceedings involving the Organization; managing Burning Man’s intellectual property portfolio; overseeing the legal review of all the Organization’s contracts; and supervising the work of outside counsel. Success in this role depends on the ability to collaborate and navigate complexity. Strong relationship‑building and adaptability are key to thriving in this environment.
This is a regular full‑time role, located at Burning Man Project’s San Francisco, CA office. The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on 01/11/26.
Duties & Essential Job Functions Strategic Legal Advice and Counseling (40%)
In collaboration with the General Counsel, tracks and responds to requests for legal research, advice, or opinions from departments across the Organization
Performs legal research and drafts research memorandums on a wide variety of legal topics as needed
Oversees the ongoing work of outside counsel and legal consultants, serving as the liaison and primary point of contact with internal staff
Oversees litigation and administrative proceedings to which the Organization is a party, including investigating potential or actual claims, drafting and reviewing pleadings, and managing discovery and fact development
Acts as a key risk manager of the organization by identifying potential legal issues as they arise, and works collaboratively with other departments to suggest creative solutions for managing risk while also allowing the organization to achieve its goals. Regularly consults with the People Operations (HR) team on employment law developments and compliance, employee disputes, and internal investigations
Helps facilitate Legal Team meetings, intellectual property team meetings, and contract team meetings
Contracts Administration (25%)
Manages requests within the Organization for legal support with contracts, including drafting template agreements for consultants, vendors, service providers, grant recipients, licensees, affiliates, and other collaborators; reviewing and revising external agreements; and overseeing review of contracts by junior attorneys and paralegal
Oversees outside contracts counsel and acts as the primary liaison between the Organization’s contract managers and outside contracts counsel, ensuring timely and efficient review of all requests
Intellectual Property Portfolio Management (25%)
Manages Burning Man’s intellectual property portfolio, with a focus on preserving and protecting Burning Man’s Decommodification Principle and protecting Burning Man’s intellectual property and images and recordings from the Burning Man event from being used for unauthorized purposes
Oversees licensing of Burning Man’s intellectual property, including in book, film, and other media projects and by Burning Man Regional Events and other affiliates and partners
Engages outside counsel as needed to assist with registration, licensing, and enforcement issues
Stays abreast of developments in intellectual property law; assesses the Organization’s intellectual property policies in light of these developments; proposes revisions as appropriate for consideration by the General Counsel; and implements new and revised policies
Keeps the General Counsel informed about complex and ongoing intellectual property issues
Other (10%)
Pursues ongoing learning to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills and processes relevant to job duties
Performs other duties as assigned
Learning and Teaching
Documentation – Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties
Teaching – Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e‑learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community
Mentoring – Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages and inspires their team
Training development – Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested
Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate
Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture‑bearer, as requested
Qualifications Required
A Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree
At least six years of law practice experience in a fast‑paced environment, with previous in‑house generalist experience
Experience with intellectual property enforcement and contracts administration
Experience with employment law, investigations and compliance
Experience with risk management
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong computer skills
Very detail‑oriented with impeccable organizational skills and a track record of successfully completing projects
Demonstrated ability to juggle numerous concurrent tasks, manage a high‑volume workload, pay extremely close attention to detail, adapt quickly to changing organizational priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Ability to take initiative, problem‑solve, multi‑task, and work independently
Ability to work collaboratively with C‑suite, department heads, and other executives
Ability to maintain personal integrity and uphold high standards of confidentiality
Motivated self‑starter with the ability to foster a cooperative work environment
Must have flexibility to work fluctuating hours and time beyond the regular work week as needed
Ability to adjust schedule seasonally to work at the Burning Man event held in Nevada
Preferred
Experience with nonprofit compliance is desired
It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture
Note: If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant experience in your application.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Good standing with at least one state bar, preferably California or Nevada
What’s In It For You? We are certain that working for Burning Man Project is unlike any other job on the planet! In addition to the unique opportunity to participate and contribute to our global community and culture within a creative, fun, and inspiring work environment, we’re also thrilled to provide the following:
Compensation Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated salary range for this position is $162,000 to $180,000 annually.
Additional Benefits
Health benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and dependents
Long‑term disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with voluntary employee contribution
Accrued vacation and sick time: Up to 10 days vacation per 12 months on assignment
Additional annual paid time off in accordance with policy guidelines; 7 paid holidays annually, in addition to paid office closure during December 24 – January 1
Paid parental and bonding leave
Communications benefits for remote employees; reimbursement of up to $120/month for home office internet and phone expenses
Commuter benefit program
Mental health support, life coaching, financial and legal consultation services through our employee assistance program
Professional development fund along with unique leadership and learning opportunities
Equipment and tools necessary to succeed in a remote‑friendly workplace
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
Off‑playa: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. This role may require some work outside of the traditional work day in order to accommodate meetings and events in the evenings and weekends to work around volunteer and resource schedules.
On‑playa: Work is primarily sedentary but will also include the need to find and meet with department representatives who may not be in the vicinity therefore, this could include walking or using some form of transportation. Some of the work will be in outside weather conditions and exposed to fumes or airborne particles, as well as possible extremes in temperature.
Notice for All Applicants
Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply.
Burning Man Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This is a regular full‑time role, located at Burning Man Project’s San Francisco, CA office. The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on 01/11/26.
Duties & Essential Job Functions Strategic Legal Advice and Counseling (40%)
In collaboration with the General Counsel, tracks and responds to requests for legal research, advice, or opinions from departments across the Organization
Performs legal research and drafts research memorandums on a wide variety of legal topics as needed
Oversees the ongoing work of outside counsel and legal consultants, serving as the liaison and primary point of contact with internal staff
Oversees litigation and administrative proceedings to which the Organization is a party, including investigating potential or actual claims, drafting and reviewing pleadings, and managing discovery and fact development
Acts as a key risk manager of the organization by identifying potential legal issues as they arise, and works collaboratively with other departments to suggest creative solutions for managing risk while also allowing the organization to achieve its goals. Regularly consults with the People Operations (HR) team on employment law developments and compliance, employee disputes, and internal investigations
Helps facilitate Legal Team meetings, intellectual property team meetings, and contract team meetings
Contracts Administration (25%)
Manages requests within the Organization for legal support with contracts, including drafting template agreements for consultants, vendors, service providers, grant recipients, licensees, affiliates, and other collaborators; reviewing and revising external agreements; and overseeing review of contracts by junior attorneys and paralegal
Oversees outside contracts counsel and acts as the primary liaison between the Organization’s contract managers and outside contracts counsel, ensuring timely and efficient review of all requests
Intellectual Property Portfolio Management (25%)
Manages Burning Man’s intellectual property portfolio, with a focus on preserving and protecting Burning Man’s Decommodification Principle and protecting Burning Man’s intellectual property and images and recordings from the Burning Man event from being used for unauthorized purposes
Oversees licensing of Burning Man’s intellectual property, including in book, film, and other media projects and by Burning Man Regional Events and other affiliates and partners
Engages outside counsel as needed to assist with registration, licensing, and enforcement issues
Stays abreast of developments in intellectual property law; assesses the Organization’s intellectual property policies in light of these developments; proposes revisions as appropriate for consideration by the General Counsel; and implements new and revised policies
Keeps the General Counsel informed about complex and ongoing intellectual property issues
Other (10%)
Pursues ongoing learning to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills and processes relevant to job duties
Performs other duties as assigned
Learning and Teaching
Documentation – Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties
Teaching – Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e‑learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community
Mentoring – Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages and inspires their team
Training development – Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested
Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate
Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture‑bearer, as requested
Qualifications Required
A Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree
At least six years of law practice experience in a fast‑paced environment, with previous in‑house generalist experience
Experience with intellectual property enforcement and contracts administration
Experience with employment law, investigations and compliance
Experience with risk management
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong computer skills
Very detail‑oriented with impeccable organizational skills and a track record of successfully completing projects
Demonstrated ability to juggle numerous concurrent tasks, manage a high‑volume workload, pay extremely close attention to detail, adapt quickly to changing organizational priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Ability to take initiative, problem‑solve, multi‑task, and work independently
Ability to work collaboratively with C‑suite, department heads, and other executives
Ability to maintain personal integrity and uphold high standards of confidentiality
Motivated self‑starter with the ability to foster a cooperative work environment
Must have flexibility to work fluctuating hours and time beyond the regular work week as needed
Ability to adjust schedule seasonally to work at the Burning Man event held in Nevada
Preferred
Experience with nonprofit compliance is desired
It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture
Note: If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant experience in your application.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Good standing with at least one state bar, preferably California or Nevada
What’s In It For You? We are certain that working for Burning Man Project is unlike any other job on the planet! In addition to the unique opportunity to participate and contribute to our global community and culture within a creative, fun, and inspiring work environment, we’re also thrilled to provide the following:
Compensation Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated salary range for this position is $162,000 to $180,000 annually.
Additional Benefits
Health benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and dependents
Long‑term disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with voluntary employee contribution
Accrued vacation and sick time: Up to 10 days vacation per 12 months on assignment
Additional annual paid time off in accordance with policy guidelines; 7 paid holidays annually, in addition to paid office closure during December 24 – January 1
Paid parental and bonding leave
Communications benefits for remote employees; reimbursement of up to $120/month for home office internet and phone expenses
Commuter benefit program
Mental health support, life coaching, financial and legal consultation services through our employee assistance program
Professional development fund along with unique leadership and learning opportunities
Equipment and tools necessary to succeed in a remote‑friendly workplace
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
Off‑playa: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. This role may require some work outside of the traditional work day in order to accommodate meetings and events in the evenings and weekends to work around volunteer and resource schedules.
On‑playa: Work is primarily sedentary but will also include the need to find and meet with department representatives who may not be in the vicinity therefore, this could include walking or using some form of transportation. Some of the work will be in outside weather conditions and exposed to fumes or airborne particles, as well as possible extremes in temperature.
Notice for All Applicants
Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply.
Burning Man Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
#J-18808-Ljbffr