Senior Corporate Counsel-Hybrid in Chicago

About Rewards Network

For 41 years, Rewards Network has been helping restaurants grow revenue, increase traffic, and boost customer engagement through innovative financial, marketing services, and premier dining rewards programs. By offering unique card-linked offers, we introduce diners to fantastic restaurant experiences, leveraging advanced technology and data analytics to deliver value to restaurants, diners, and our strategic partners' loyalty programs.

Our Culture 

At Rewards Network, you'll be part of a driven and diverse team that excels in collaboration, issue resolution, and taking ownership of both personal growth and the company's success. We take pride in partnering with the world's most powerful loyalty programs to drive full-price paying customers to local restaurants through marketing services and flexible funding options. Our engaging and rewarding environment is designed to help you gain your full potential.

Job Overview

The Senior Corporate Counsel, Commercial and Corporate Affairs is a driving force behind Rewards Network's dynamic growth Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, you'll collaborate with marketing, product, and partnership teams to launch innovative new products and seize fresh market opportunities. As a key leader within the legal team, you'll work side-by-side with Rewards Network's senior leadership, shaping the company's future at the highest level.

This is a hybrid position with in office 3 days a week in our Chicago Headquarters. 

What you'll bring to the table: (Responsibilities)  

• Review and approve complex marketing copy to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation.
• Edit, negotiate, and finalize client agreements to protect company interests and foster strong commercial relationships.
• Support and then lead legal efforts on strategic partnership agreements, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
• Counsel marketing, product, and data teams on go-to-market strategies and regulatory considerations.
• Provide general product counseling, offering practical legal guidance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Interface regularly with senior leadership and board members, delivering clear legal insights on business initiatives.
• Support the corporate secretary by assisting with governance matters and preparing board materials.
• Identify and resolve legal risks in commercial activities, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Drive continuous improvement of contract templates, playbooks, and legal processes.
• Champion a collaborative, business-oriented approach to solving legal and commercial challenges.
• Other duties as assigned

Do you have the right mix of ingredients: (Requirements)  

• Advanced Legal Analysis and Judgment: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory requirements to business operations, especially in the areas of marketing, commercial agreements, and product compliance.
• Contract Drafting, Negotiation, and Management: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing a broad range of commercial agreements, with a focus on risk mitigation, protecting company interests, and fostering productive business relationships.
• Strategic Counseling and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven experience providing actionable legal guidance to marketing, product, and data teams on go-to-market strategies, regulatory issues, and throughout the product lifecycle; ability to work closely with business partners across departments.
• Stakeholder Communication and Leadership: Skilled at interfacing with senior leadership, including board members, and presenting complex legal concepts in clear, business-oriented terms to support informed decision-making and strategic initiatives.
• Governance and Corporate Secretarial Support: Familiarity with corporate governance practices, including supporting the corporate secretary, preparing board materials, and assisting with governance matters.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Strong ability to proactively identify legal risks in commercial activities, develop practical solutions, and ensure alignment with company objectives and risk tolerance.
• Process Improvement and Legal Operations: Experience driving continuous improvement in contract templates, playbooks, and legal processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and compliance across the organization.
• Business Acumen and Collaborative Approach: Adept at championing a collaborative, business-focused mindset in addressing legal and commercial challenges, balancing legal requirements with organizational goals and innovation.
• Technical and Software Proficiency: Proficiency in legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), contract management systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams); familiarity with data privacy and compliance software is a plus.
• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice law in Illinois, or the ability to gain admission within six months of being hired
• 5-7 years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience in at least two of the following practice areas: marketing and IP counseling, new product development, structuring and negotiating strategic partnerships, corporate transactions, general business counseling
• Law firm and in-house experience (Preferred)

What you'll love about us:

 Comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• This is a full time, exempt position, and the base compensation for this opening in Chicago is expected to be $145,000-$175,000 annualized, depending on level, candidate experience, skills and other factors. This position is eligible for a 15% bonus with a total comp of $166,750-$201,250.
• Generous dining reimbursement when you dine with our restaurant customers.   
• Sales Academy: In- depth training 
• Competitive Time Off Benefits: including flexible PTO, 11 company holidays, and parental leave. 
• 401(k) plan with a company match 
• Two medical plan options- Standard PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HSA with company match for HDHP participants) 
• Partnership with Rx n Go, offering certain prescriptions for free. 
• Two dental plan options and a vision plan 
• Flexible Spending Accounts and a pre-tax commuter benefit program 
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plans 
• Short Term and Long-Term disability  
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D insurance, supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance 
• Employee Life Assistance Program

Rewards Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We encourage and strongly support workplace diversity.

Expected Pay Range $145,000—$175,000 USD

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