General Counsel & Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Kepler Communications · Canada · 1 week ago

Work mode: Remote
Seniority: C level
Employment: Full time
Category: Legal
Experience: 15+ years

At Kepler Communications, 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®, 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

Manage outside counsel and regulatory consultants globally

Foster collaboration across all business functions

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in the United States or Canada

15+ years of progressively responsible legal leadership experience

Significant experience supporting executive leadership and Boards of Directors

Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements

Strong knowledge of corporate governance and international business law

Experience managing legal teams and outside counsel

Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills
Occasional on-site presence at the Toronto HQ location

Bonus Points:

Experience within aerospace, satellite communications, telecommunications, or other highly regulated technology industries

Deep understanding of spectrum regulation, satellite licensing, FCC, ISED, ITU, and international regulatory frameworks

Experience supporting government and defense programs

Familiarity with export controls (ITAR, EAR, CGP) and government security requirements

Experience working in venture-backed or high-growth technology companies

Experience with international corporate structures and global operations

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected], and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bonus Points:

Explore more jobs