Legal & Risk Strategy Manager

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a(n) Legal & Risk Strategy Manager, reporting to the General Counsel, who will be a strategic partner and force multiplier for the entire Legal Team, managing complex priorities across the legal function while ensuring seamless alignment between legal strategy (including insurance strategy) and broader organizational objectives. This role functions as the connective tissue between the legal department and other business units, enabling the Legal Team to maximize impact and efficiently address critical priorities.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the General Counsel and Legal team to develop and execute strategic plans that strengthen the company’s legal, regulatory, and risk posture.

• Leverage subject matter expertise in insurance programs to guide and advise on the company’s insurance programs and risk management strategies.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate legal, compliance, and operational risks across the business.

• Develop analytical mechanisms of legal-risk trends and the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.

• Evaluate and enhance Legal team workflows with a focus on risk controls, compliance alignment, and operational resilience.

• Partner with Legal team members and business stakeholders to implement mechanisms to improve visibility into risk, support compliance obligations, and increase efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on reducing legal risk, strengthening cross-functional risk accountability, and optimizing service delivery.

• Lead special projects related to Legal team effectiveness, risk governance maturity, and organizational risk awareness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required

• 7+ years of progressive experience in executive support, management consulting, business operations, or similar roles

• Experience in the technology sector and familiarity with corporate governance, compliance, and other legal concepts highly valued

• Previous experience supporting C-suite executives or senior leadership teams

• Demonstrated success in project management and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Exceptional project management abilities with experience leading complex initiatives

• Superior analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information

• Strong business acumen and understanding of how legal functions support organizational objectives

• Proven ability to build relationships and influence without direct authority

• High emotional intelligence and political savvy

• Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced environment

• Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information

Pay Range:

• Legal & Risk Strategy Manager: $92,000-$176000

Salary Range: California
$92,000—$176,000 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.