General Counsel

Client

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a nonprofit corporation that operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) on behalf of the U.S. government. For 70 years, IDA has provided objective, data-driven analyses on the most complex national security and science policy challenges facing the United States.

IDA’s work is distinguished by four core attributes: independence from commercial conflicts of interest, rigorous analytical methodology, deep technical and scientific expertise, and a trusted relationship with government sponsors across the defense and intelligence communities. IDA’s three FFRDCs serve distinct missions:

• The Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, provides integrated expertise in technology, policy, intelligence, and advanced analytics to support national defense decision-making.
  
  
• The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), sponsored by the National Science Foundation, advises the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President on matters at the intersection of science and public policy.
  
  
• The Center for Communications and Computing (CCC), sponsored by the National Security Agency, conducts advanced R&D in cryptology and computational mathematics across facilities in Bowie, MD; La Jolla, CA; and Princeton, NJ.
  

IDA also manages the Defense Management Institute, an independent research organization focused on organizational and management challenges facing the Department of Defense.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior executive to serve as the top legal officer of a highly respected, mission-driven institution solving complex national security challenges to protect the United States. The General Counsel will partner closely with IDA's President and executive leadership to navigate a demanding legal, regulatory, and legislative environment while protecting the integrity and independence that define IDA's value to the nation. The incoming GC will inherit a well-functioning legal team and have the opportunity to build on that foundation, strengthening compliance infrastructure, deepening relationships with Congress and the Executive Branch, and positioning IDA for continued impact in a rapidly evolving policy landscape.

The Role

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the GC is a key member of IDA's senior leadership team serving as the chief legal officer and Secretary of the Corporation, and leading all legal, compliance, and legislative affairs activities for the organization. The GC directly supervises the Associate General Counsel and Law Clerk and oversees all engagements with outside counsel, with legal responsibility spanning IDA's three FFRDCs and its corporate operations.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Counsel & Risk Management

• Ensure IDA’s adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Advise and counsel the President, Executive Vice Presidents, and VP of Corporate Operations on legal matters across all relevant regulatory regimes, including the FAR, DFARS, ITAR and export controls, NDAA requirements, EEO statutes, federal ethics rules, and all laws and regulations governing FFRDCs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements and other legal instruments; stay abreast of regulatory developments and offer timely recommendations to accomplish corporate objectives.
• Represent IDA in litigation and related legal proceedings; manage day-to-day interactions with and assignments to outside counsel.
• Provide legal guidance on intellectual property matters, technology transfer, data rights, and information security requirements.
• Identify and proactively manage legal, regulatory, and reputational risks; recommend strategies that balance risk mitigation with institutional mission.

Compliance & Corporate Governance

• Serve as Chief Compliance Officer; lead the continuous improvement of IDA’s corporate compliance program, including the code of conduct, ethics training, and internal reporting mechanisms.
• Conduct internal reviews of code of conduct matters; deliver briefings and educational programs to staff at all levels.
• Establish and maintain robust systems for documenting IDA’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements across all entities and FFRDCs.
• Lead internal investigations and audits as needed; partner with HR, Finance, and senior leadership on sensitive matters.
• As Secretary of the Corporation, ensure adherence to applicable corporate formalities as required by state law, IDA’s Articles and By-Laws, and prior Board actions; oversee administrative matters concerning the Board, including procedures to avoid conflicts of interest; draft Board minutes; and keep the Board informed of material legal liabilities and risks.

Government Relations & Legislative Affairs

• Serve as a liaison with congressional offices, committees, and staff on matters affecting IDA's mission, operations, and FFRDC authorities.
• Propose and execute specific outreach, engagement, and follow-up activities between IDA leadership and Executive Branch, congressional, and local officials, leveraging collaboration with the Corporate Communications department.
• Conduct in-person outreach to government officials at all levels; represent the organization among relevant industry groups, associations, and policy organizations; develop and implement strategies to maximize the value of those relationships.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to federal (and periodically state and local) policy and regulatory trends; provide IDA senior leadership with continual situational awareness about legislative and regulatory issues that may impact the organization.
• Coordinate IDA's responses to congressional inquiries; prepare testimony and briefing materials for leadership appearances before Congress.
• Devise, prepare, and edit correspondence, white papers, presentations, and other government-facing communications.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including at least 5 years in a regulatory compliance-related area of practice. Experience in an FFRDC, UARC, government contracts, or research environment required.
• Strong experience with the major regulatory regimes affecting IDA, including the FAR/DFARS, EEO statutes, export controls (ITAR), and federal ethics rules. Keen understanding of National Security laws and regulations.
• Experience with or knowledge of congressional operations, legislative processes, and government relations preferred.
• Demonstrated strategic mindset with the ability to understand complex legal issues and their greater impact on the organization.
• Ability to serve as a trusted partner in a collaborative and consensus-oriented environment who builds relationships across functional areas and seniority levels.
• Genuine commitment to public service and IDA's mission of objective, independent analysis in support of national security.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to make complex legal concepts accessible to non-lawyers and to prepare polished materials for senior government audiences.
• Practical and innovative problem-solver with the ability to grow and shape an organization to prepare for the future.

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; admission to at least one U.S. state bar in good standing. Active Virginia bar membership or eligibility strongly preferred.

Compensation: $325,000-$375,000+ commensurate with experience; eligible for performance bonus and relocation assistance (if needed); and a strong benefits package including) employer retirement contribution and 457(b) deferred compensation plans offered.

Location: Alexandria, VA.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required.

Clearance: TS/SCI clearance with full-scope polygraph required; candidates without an active clearance must demonstrate a clear ability to obtain one.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume as a Word or PDF document