General Counsel & Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Job description

**At [Kepler Communications](https://kepler.space/), we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - *we're leading it!*** Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With **33 satellites launched to date,** Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. **What sets Kepler apart is our team:** bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. **Come build the future with Kepler!** **What We Offer:** **\* Competitive compensation** with a robust equity plan to share in our success. **\* Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance**—including dependents. **\* Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy,** and company-wide holiday shutdown. **\* Semi-annual company-wide parties** and frequent in-office team events. **\* Relocation packages** available for approved roles. **\* $1,500 annual professional development fund** to support your growth. **\* Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen** with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances. **\* Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events** to stay connected and engaged. **\* We’re a certified [Great Place to Work](https://www.greatplacetowork.ca/en/certification-menu/certified-organizations-updated#certified-organizations2/view-sub-list-details70/5f3438830d6f2900170827a4/)**®, seven years in a row! The **General Counsel & Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs** serves as Kepler's executive leader responsible for all legal, regulatory, compliance, government affairs, and corporate governance activities worldwide. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors while leading the company's legal strategy in support of rapid growth, international expansion, government contracting, satellite licensing, spectrum management, and strategic commercial initiatives. The successful candidate will oversee both Legal and Regulatory Affairs teams and will help shape company strategy by proactively identifying legal and regulatory opportunities and risks. ### Key Responsibilities: **Executive Leadership:** - Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, governance, and business matters - Develop and execute Kepler's global legal and regulatory strategy aligned with company objectives - Lead and develop a high-performing Legal and Regulatory Affairs organization - Build strong partnerships across Engineering, Product, Sales, Finance, HR, Security, and Operations - Present regularly to executive leadership and the Board regarding legal, regulatory, compliance, and policy developments **Legal Leadership:** - Lead all corporate legal matters including commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, customer agreements, supplier agreements, employment law, intellectual property, litigation management, privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate governance - Oversee mergers, acquisitions, investments, financing transactions, and other strategic corporate initiatives - Manage corporate structure and legal entities across multiple jurisdictions - Ensure compliance with domestic and international laws affecting Kepler's business - Develop scalable legal processes, templates, and governance frameworks appropriate for a high-growth technology company - Manage outside counsel globally while optimizing legal spend - Advise leadership on legal risk and develop practical business-focused solutions **Regulatory Affairs:** - Lead and evolve Kepler's global spectrum strategy, including frequency planning, ITU coordination, national licensing, and global market access - Oversee regulatory engagement with agencies including the FCC, ISED Canada, Ofcom, BNetzA, the ITU, and other international regulators - Direct spectrum filings, licensing, coordination activities, and interference mitigation strategies supporting Kepler's satellite constellation and future technologies - Monitor evolving international regulatory frameworks and represent Kepler in global policy discussions including the ITU, CEPT, CITEL, and other industry forums - Protect and expand Kepler's spectrum assets while supporting long-term growth and innovation **Government & Public Policy** - Develop and lead Kepler's global government relations strategy - Build relationships with government agencies, regulators, industry associations, and policymakers - Support strategic government and defense business initiatives - Represent Kepler externally on legal, regulatory, and policy matters - Help influence legislation and policy supporting commercial space operations **Compliance & Risk:** - Lead enterprise compliance programs - Oversee export control, sanctions, anti-corruption, privacy, government contracting, ethics, and corporate compliance - Maintain governance processes supporting Board operations - Identify enterprise legal and regulatory risks and develop mitigation strategies - Support internal investigations and risk management activities **Leadership Responsibilities:** - Lead Legal and Regulatory Affairs teams. - Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing professionals - Establish priorities aligned with business strategy