General Counsel (REMOTE)
Department: Legal & ComplianceLocation: REMOTE USCompensation: $165,000 - $185,000 / yearDescriptionAs General Counsel (GC), you are the primary steward of this legacy and the Head of Legal for Zink Media LLC. You serve as the "Shield" for a global community of contributors and the "Architect" of the legal frameworks that keep our data open yet protected. In this role, you provide direct in-house legal representation, serve as the official corporate signatory, and own the global legal strategy across all jurisdictions.As the company’s sole in-house legal authority you will own the legal function, advising leadership, and partnering with a bench of external counsel to extend your impact and expertise. We are looking for a proactive, "front-line" leader who moves beyond passive oversight to take direct accountability for the company’s legal standing, litigation, and regulatory presence. You understand that being on the "right side of music history" means aggressively defending the integrity of our crowdsourced database, ensuring that the work of millions of music fans remains a resource for the community.LocationWhile we are a remote company we are only hiring for the following locations: OR, WA, CA, CO, TX, ILCompensationAnnual Base Salary Range - $165,000 - $185,000Key ResponsibilitiesWhat You’ll AccomplishReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Direct Corporate Representation & Signatory AuthorityPrimary Legal Face: Serve as the primary, named legal representative for Zink Media LLC. This role requires "front-facing" representation; the GC will lead legal calls and sign all formal legal correspondence.Accept formal appointment as a General Counsel, assuming the fiduciary duties and legal authorities associated with that rank.Responsible for the end-to-end execution of legal strategy, including the personal authorship and signing of all formal legal correspondence, thereby ensuring professional continuity and protecting corporate privilege.Global Legal Strategy & Risk OwnershipMarketplace Defense: Develop and execute a centralized legal strategy supporting a high-volume, two-sided e-commerce marketplace.Database Integrity: Protect Discogs’ crowdsourced metadata and database rights against unauthorized commercial exploitation and scraping.IP Management: Oversee the global trademark portfolio and manage DMCA/Copyright compliance frameworks for user-generated content.Leadership & Strategic AdvisoryWorks closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), providing real-time legal counsel on product roadmaps, M&A, and commercial partnerships.Align legal initiatives with growth targets, ensuring the legal department is an enabler of business rather than a compliance bottleneck.Compliance, Privacy & GovernanceRegulatory Interface: Directly interface with US and international regulators (FTC, EU data authorities, etc.) to represent and lobby the company’s interests.Data Privacy: Own the global framework for privacy (RoPA, GDPR, CCPA) and emerging AI ethics/data usage policies.Litigation & Outside Counsel ManagementIn-House Advocacy: Manage high-stakes disputes directly; determine when to utilize external counsel as tactical support rather than as the primary representative.Budgetary Oversight: Select, vet, and manage global specialized law firms, ensuring high-quality output while maintaining strict fiscal discipline over the legal budget.Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseWhat You’ll ContributeRequired Skills & Abilities:Direct Representation Track Record: Proven experience acting as a corporate signatory and lead negotiator in a tech or marketplace environment.Platform Expertise: Deep understanding of Section 230 (or global equivalents), marketplace facilitator laws, and VAT/Sales Tax nexus.Leadership: Proven experience operating as a contributor and collaborating with departments regarding legal and compliance matters.Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategic plans.Technical Skills: Adept at using various applications including databases, spreadsheets, project management software, and word processing.Attributes of the Ideal CandidateThe Shield: You are comfortable being the first name on a difficult letter or a high-pressure call where needed.The Enabler: You view legal as a business enablement department, finding creative paths to "Yes" while maintaining a firm "No" on existential risks.The Crate Digger: You have a genuine appreciation for the music community and understand the cultural nuance of the Discogs mission.Education & Experience:RequiredJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited US law school.Active Bar Membership in a major US jurisdiction (e.g., OR, WA, CA, or VA) is required and ability to register as In-House Counsel in your state of residence.12+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a General Counsel or senior executive legal role within a global e-commerce or marketplace environment.Proven track record of providing direct representation and acting as a corporate signatory.BenefitsWhat We ProvideCompetitive compensation: salary, plus performance-related bonus program401(k) with employer match100% company-paid medical and dental insurance benefits for you and your dependents4 weeks paid vacation, increasing based on tenure18 weeks paid leave for birth moms8 weeks paid parental leave, including for adoptionMonthly wellness allowanceAnnual professional and personal development allowanceWork from home office set-up and expense allowancesFlexible work location opportunitiesEmployer matching toward charitable contributionsDiscogs’ mission is to serve the music fan in everyone. We represent a diverse and inclusive community, and we are committed to serving our community with innovative and creative solutions. We know that innovation happens best when varying perspectives are embraced and integrated. Our global team reflects our global community.Discogs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Applicants needing accommodation to apply should contact us at 503-597-6340Discogs does not promote job openings through text messaging. If you receive a text message claiming to offer a position at our company, please disregard it as fraudulent. For a list of our actively open positions and to apply, please visit the official Careers page on our website: https://www.discogs.com/about/careersIf you apply for this role, you will be required to upload a resume, cover letter, and fill out a few questions regarding your application. Once submitted, our hiring team will review your application and contact you if you are selected for an interview. Whether you are successful or not, we will store your application and data in our system for a maximum period of one year from the application date in case another role becomes available that you are suitable for. If you have any questions or concerns about us storing this data and/or the period of time, please contact us at legal@discogsinc.com and we will respond to you within 30 days.