Principal Counsel, Corporate & Securities

About Zipline

Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. From providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes to powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, we are transforming the way things move for businesses, consumers, and governments. The technology is complex but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Through our technology, we are decarbonizing delivery, decreasing road congestion, and reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution, while providing equitable access to billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.

About You and The Role

The Zipline Legal Team is seeking an experienced Principal Counsel to lead our corporate legal function as we scale and explore future capital market opportunities and liquidity events. You will serve as a key strategic advisor to Zipline’s Board, General Counsel, CEO, CFO, and Controller on a variety of business law matters, including corporate governance, financing and other securities transactions, and regulatory and securities law matters.  You’ll also have the opportunity to build and manage Zipline’s corporate development function, identifying and leading high-impact strategic transactions. 

What You'll Do

• Lead Zipline’s strategy for IPO readiness and corporate compliance, including SEC reporting, disclosure controls, and governance best practices
• Oversee corporate governance matters, including Board and subcommittee operations and relations, charter documents, and stockholder relations
• Lead and execute equity and debt financing transactions, including venture capital rounds, private placements, tender offers, and potential public offerings
• Oversee the corporate structure, multi-national entity management, and intercompany agreements to optimize Zipline’s global operations
• Advise on executive and employee equity compensation matters, including stock options and RSUs
• Provide counsel on emerging legal and regulatory developments impacting Zipline’s operations
• Lead and execute corporate development initiatives, including M&A, joint ventures, and strategic investments
• Ensure compliance with SEC, CFIUS, economic authority, and other global regulatory requirements impacting Zipline’s business
• Partner with Zipline’s compliance and legal operations functions to create, review, and maintain thoughtful, repeatable, and defensible corporate governance, ethics, and compliance policies and trainings

What You'll Bring  

• You have at least 6 years experience as a barred attorney focused on corporate, securities, and/or transactional law

• You have a deep understanding of private company transactions and/or public company reporting obligations

• While you understand and love the nuances of corporate law, you are practical and can shape your legal advice to meet the needs of the business 

• You know how to manage and close business transactions in a methodical, efficient, and undramatic manner

• You have detail-oriented, business-friendly, flawless contract drafting skills 

• You are curious and have a willingness to get nerdy and dive headfirst into whatever issue facing the business or legal team is most pressing, regardless of familiarity or interest

• You communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with outstanding attention to detail 

• You are organized and efficient with an ability to work independently, ruthlessly prioritize, and follow through in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment 

• You value relationships and can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• You can keep legal advice simple, and at the same time have the ability to “show your work” and dig deeply into critical legal questions with the rest of the team

• You can effectively manage upwards and hold your teammates accountable 

• You are resilient and don’t get easily overwhelmed or frustrated

What Else You Need to Know   

• JD Degree required
• Member in good standing of at least one state bar 
• At least 6 years of relevant legal experience at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Location - South San Francisco HQ, in person 

The starting cash range for this role is $180,000 - $220,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer 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 or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!