Assistant General Counsel – Compensation, Benefits & HR Policy

Citizens Bank•Johnston, RI

20h•$190,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel, Compensation, Benefits & HR Policy, provides strategic legal counsel to Citizens Bank on executive compensation, sales incentive compensation, employee benefits, leave administration, and human resources policy matters. This role partners closely with Human Resources, Sales Performance Management, and senior leaders to design, implement, and oversee compensation and benefits programs in compliance with applicable federal and state laws and banking regulations. The ideal candidate brings deep subject matter expertise in compensation and benefits law within a regulated sales environment, exercises strong judgment, and offers practical, business‑focused legal advice. This role requires excellent drafting skills and a thoughtful approach to risk management in a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, high‑performing legal team and assume meaningful responsibility from day one.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
At least 3 years of legal experience with a strong focus on compensation and benefits law.
Excellent legal judgment, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to influence across functions.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and evolving environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising financial institutions or other highly regulated, sales‑driven organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic legal advice on the design, implementation, and governance of executive compensation and sales incentive compensation programs.
Advise on equity‑based, deferred, and other incentive compensation arrangements, including plan documentation and participant agreements.
Draft and negotiate executive employment agreements, offer letters, retention agreements, promissory notes, and severance arrangements.
Counsel Human Resources on compliance with FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and applicable state and local leave laws, including paid leave requirements, accommodation requests, and interactive process obligations.
Monitor and advise on legislative, regulatory, and industry developments affecting compensation, benefits, and related employment matters.
Provide legal guidance and support for reductions in force, including review of selection criteria and adverse impact analyses.
Support mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions by identifying and assessing compensation‑ and benefits‑related risks, conducting due diligence, and drafting employment‑related provisions of transaction documents.
Manage and resolve disputes, claims, and litigation relating to compensation and benefits matters.