Corporate Counsel

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world’s largest network of privately owned campgrounds and the leader in outdoor hospitality. KOA has 500+ locations across the United States and Canada including a mix of franchised and company-owned parks (OAK). Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” and those who represent the brand share the values of being family-oriented, passionate, entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and innovative.

At KOA, we believe the outdoors is fun and for everyone. We are committed to having an environment where all are treated with dignity and respect. We strive to:

• intentionally create a sense of community and belonging for our guests, employees and franchise partners
• continually educate ourselves and expand our knowledge to foster an inclusive and supportive environment
• sustain a culture that promotes diversity of thought and experiences
• ensure everyone has the ability to experience the outdoors and that our facilities are accessible to all
• drive change in our company and industry through action and implementation

Summary:

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (“KOA”) seeks an experienced Corporate Counsel to join its Legal Department. In this role, you will serve as a trusted legal advisor to company leadership reporting to the General Counsel, providing comprehensive legal guidance on business transactions, corporate and regulatory compliance, litigation, risk management, franchise support, and organizational matters. This position offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic outdoor hospitality company with over 500 locations in the U.S and Canada, while managing diverse legal responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

This position is located either at our Home Office in Billings, Montana or remote and may involve occasional travel to other company locations, events and legal seminars. This role may require attention to urgent legal matters outside standard business hours. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently while maintaining strong communication with internal stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Review, draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial contracts, including franchise agreements, vendor agreements, service contracts, and operational agreements.
• Litigation Support: Manage litigation matters, coordinate with outside counsel, assist with discovery, and develop litigation strategies to protect company interests.
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Ensure company compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; identify legal risks; and implement mitigation strategies across all business operations.
• Intellectual Property: Assist with the maintenance and expansion of the company’s trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios, including enforcement if necessary.
• Insurance Management: Oversee company insurance programs, claims management, policy reviews, and coordinate with insurance carriers, managers, and panel counsel.
• Employment & Human Resources: Provide legal counsel on employment and HR matters, including litigation, employee relations, investigations, wage and hour issues, ADA/FMLA matters, policies and compliance. Advise and assist with employment related policies and training programs aligned with company culture and values.
• Corporate Governance & Licensing: Support Executive Team on corporate governance (in both the U.S. and Canada) and compliance for KOA and its subsidiaries, including liquor licensing.
• Franchise Operations: Advise and support franchise related legal matters and ensure franchise agreement compliance.
• Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct legal research and provide written and oral legal opinions to business units.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Legal Thinking
• Negotiation & Problem-Solving
• Risk Assessment & Management
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Business Acumen
• Team Collaboration
• Adaptability & Organization
• Integrity & Ethical Judgment

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Active bar license (State of Montana bar license preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience (law firm or in-house)
• Location in Billings, Montana or Remote
• Demonstrated expertise in contract review and negotiation
• Strong background in litigation management or litigation support
• Proven experience with insurance management, including coverage analysis and claims handling
• Substantive employment law experience
• General knowledge of corporate law matters and business operations
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to translate legal concepts for business audiences
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Franchising experience and familiarity with franchise regulations (FTC Franchise Rule, state franchise laws)
• Liquor Licensing and compliance experience and abilities to support campground alcohol sales across multiple jurisdictions
• Familiarity with Montana business law and regulations

• Project management experience
• Experience working as in-house counsel is preferred
• Experience managing litigation and working with outside counsel is preferred
• Interest in outdoor hospitality and recreation (e.g., camping, RV’ing, glamping)

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

KOA does not sponsor Visas

KOA currently does NOT hire in the following states:

Benefits Offered:

• Medical/Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Paid Life & AD&D Insurance
• Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Retirement Plan
• 401K Company Contributions