Description:

Overview:
When you join the A Financial Institution Company, you become part of something much bigger than a credit union. You become part of our faM1ly—a tight-knit bunch with big dreams and even bigger values. It is an exciting time for us as we continue to grow, and we hope that you will choose to grow along with us. Wanting the absolute best for our associates means more than just competitive pay. It means fantastic healthcare, paid benefits, opportunities for professional advancement and work-life balance - and best of all, a place where you are accepted and respected for your individuality.

Responsibilities:
The VP Managing Counsel provides strategic legal guidance across all areas of the credit union's operations and plays a pivotal role in protecting the organization, its members, and its mission. This VP Managing Counsel advises leadership and business units on complex legal and regulatory matters, oversees key legal functions including litigation, contract negotiation, product development, and compliance, and ensures that legal risks are effectively identified and mitigated. The VP also leads the development of the internal legal team and plays a critical role in cross-functional projects and initiatives that support the credit union's strategic growth.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide expert legal counsel to internal stakeholders on complex legal, regulatory, and business issues.
Translate legal concepts into actionable business strategies that support growth and innovation while managing risk.
Monitor and interpret changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends; develop proactive legal strategies accordingly.
Ensure legal considerations are integrated into operational decision-making and risk management frameworks.
Design, implement, and oversee a robust contract review and negotiation process.
Lead negotiation of key vendor, member, and partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with legal standards and business objectives.
Provide templates, tools, and training to enhance contract efficiency and compliance.
Partner with leadership on expansion initiatives, product development, and new market strategies, ensuring legal readiness and compliance.
Align legal frameworks and documentation with the credit union's long-term growth plans.
Act as the lead in-house legal advisor on matters including, but not limited to, consumer banking regulations, lending, deposits, privacy, employment law, cybersecurity, marketing, and intellectual property.
Research and interpret complex statutes and regulatory guidance, providing clear and practical legal advice to internal clients.
Manage litigation, pre-litigation, and dispute resolution matters in collaboration with external counsel.
Represent the credit union in administrative proceedings, regulatory interactions, and other legal forums as appropriate.
Direct strategy for legal investigations, subpoenas, and regulatory examinations.
Lead and mentor the legal team, fostering professional growth, technical development, and leadership capabilities.
Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the Legal Department.
Establish and monitor team goals, performance, and development plans.
Drive or support high-impact, cross-functional projects that require legal oversight or integration.
Work closely with departments including Compliance, Risk, Finance, Operations, IT, HR, and Product on enterprise initiatives.
Develop and deliver training to staff and leaders on legal topics such as regulatory changes, contract management, and compliance risks.
Raise organizational awareness of legal requirements and risk considerations to build a culture of compliance.
Identify potential legal risks in products, services, or operations and develop practical strategies to mitigate those risks.
Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance teams to ensure an integrated approach to enterprise risk management.

Skills:

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to interact with members, staff, vendors, and government regulators
Ability to lead through influence, build trust, and align legal strategy with business goals
Advanced analytical, negotiation, and complex problem-solving skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex legal documents
Ability to effectively address sensitive inquiries or complaints
Strong attention to detail
Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Competencies:

Accountability and self-management
Communication
Effective knowledge
Innovation and problem-solving
Teamwork and leadership

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
Visually able to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading
Ability to sit for extended time periods
Sufficient manual skill for operation of PC keyboard and other standard office equipment
Ability to travel, including occasional overnight travel
Ability to exert minimum amounts of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects

Qualifications:
5-8 years of related experience; 1-3 years of leadership/management experience

Does this position require a valid Drivers License?
No

Education Level:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA Law School

Certifications:
Active law license in Pennsylvania