Assistant General Counsel

Overview

As USAC continues to support universal service impacting health care providers, educators, and consumers, it is critical now more than ever that we hire people equally passionate and committed to helping fulfill our mission. We are currently seeking an experienced, dynamic and collaborative professional to serve as Assistant General Counsel within the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Reporting to the Associate General Counsel you will:

• serve as counsel supporting the administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) program, including advising on matters of administrative law and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations related to program operations, audits, and investigations.

This is an outstanding career opportunity for an individual interested in telecommunications law and supporting a public-spirited mission.

Responsibilities

Working in a creative and fast-paced environment, the Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support to at least one of the USF programs, ensuring internal and external stakeholder compliance with FCC rules and regulations. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advise the administration of at least one of the USF programs (e.g., High Cost, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, and Schools and Libraries), including identifying and analyzing novel issues, providing guidance on the implementation of program rules and requirements, and promoting measures to ensure program integrity and program success.
• Identify and anticipate potential legal issues and areas of risk in relation to program administration and propose solutions to address complex legal and operational concerns and risks.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws affecting USAC operations.
• Communicate, both in writing and orally, with internal stakeholders, the USAC Board of Directors, and the FCC regarding corporate and programmatic matters.
• Interact and engage with FCC staff on numerous matters, including contracts, audits, enforcement, and programmatic issues.
• Other specific duties as assigned, may include:
• For the High Cost program: analyzing letters of credit and bankruptcy opinions of counsel, reviewing verifications documents, reviewing audits and appeal decisions, summarizing FCC orders and directives, and communicating with external stakeholders to ensure compliance with program rules.
• For the Rural Health Care, Schools and Libraries (E-rate), and Lifeline programs: reviewing audit and appeal decisions, summarizing FCC orders and directives, and drafting/reviewing language for communications with external stakeholders.

About You

The successful candidate will excel at operating in a diverse and fluid environment and will have the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school;
• Licensed to practice law in a United States jurisdiction;
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of legal experience, with at least one (1) year of experience related to telecommunications, administrative, and/or regulatory law;
• Demonstrated an ability to independently provide legal advice or counsel and/or independently produce “client ready” legal analysis;
• Candidates with fewer years of experience may be considered for a Counsel position if they have significant prior experience working on telecommunications, administrative, and/or regulatory law matters;
• Ability to exercise sound legal and business judgment;
• Proactive approach and strong follow-up skills, with an ability to effectively manage multiple projects and time-sensitive tasks;
• Ability to manage Counsels and/or supporting staff members;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver information clearly and concisely orally and in writing;
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and legal research skills; and
• Experience with the federal Universal Service Fund programs (i.e.Schools and Libraries, Rural Health Care, High Cost and Lifeline) is preferred, but not required.

About USAC

Why Work Here?

Our mission to achieve universal service addresses America’s current critical needs to build out broadband capabilities for telehealth, online learning, and keeping families connected. Join us and help USAC accomplish our mission to bridge the digital divide. Through its administration of the $10 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) programs on behalf of the FCC, USAC works to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates and to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation. Additional information on USF programs can be found at: https://www.usac.org/about/

Benefits

USAC supports our employees well beyond their salary with a system of benefits that rivals the top organizations in the country. Simply put: if you are committed to improving the lives of others, we are committed to improving yours. USAC provides low-premium, top-of-the-line medical, dental, and vision insurance in addition to disability and life coverage. Generous 401k contribution, Federal and floating holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time that increases every year. Regular telework schedule and opportunities to take professional development courses and training.

A Multicultural Team

We have actively built an organization that doesn’t just celebrate our diversity; we depend on it. The challenges of achieving universal service require creative and unique perspectives. Our accepting and inclusive community will challenge you to grow and learn from others while always recognizing the value of your contribution.

To apply, please submit a writing sample (memo, opinion, brief, pleadings, etc.) and resume, click the “Apply For This Job Online” button.

USAC employees are passionate about our mission. Our work contributes to the success of all Americans. We’ve worked together to build a culture that is collaborative, ambitious, outcome-oriented, and feedback-focused.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,695.68 - $128,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Washington, DC 20005: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• regulatory and compliance law: 3 years (Required)
• contractor agreements: 3 years (Required)
• legal advisory: 2 years (Required)
• Attorney: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: In person