Deputy General Counsel Corporate

Benchmark Senior Living•Waltham, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Benchmark has been a trailblazer in senior living for nearly 30 years, operating 68 communities with 7,400 associates across the Northeast. With $3 billion in assets under management and $700 million in annual revenue, the company is experiencing historic growth, expanding its footprint from Boston to Washington DC. Benchmark offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities, positioning itself as a leader within this growing real estate sector. Senior housing has consistently ranked among the top three real estate sectors for long-term investment returns, and with the Baby Boomer 80+ population projected to grow over 5% annually through 2030, demand is surging. To meet this demand, senior housing development must nearly double historical levels over the next two decades. Benchmark is outpacing industry growth, backed by prominent investors such as Brookfield, Prudential Financial, Omega Healthcare Investors, and Ventas, Inc. Its brand strength is reflected in its 62 Best Senior Living Community awards from U.S. News & World Report in 2024, far exceeding industry averages. Benchmark’s success is deeply rooted in its people. The company’s purpose – Transforming Lives Through Human Connection – is lived daily by associates who embody its core values: Called to Care, Better Together, and Be the Benchmark. Recognized as a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe for 18 consecutive years and certified as a Great Place to Work for eight years, Benchmark fosters a culture of inclusion, growth, and recognition. It supports employees through initiatives like an associate grant program called One Company Fund, Benchmark University, an Inclusion Advisory Council, and a Cultural Ambassadors program. With over 500 associates boasting 15-plus years of tenure, and an annual gala celebrating excellence, Benchmark continues to be a destination for meaningful careers and compassionate care – setting the standard in senior living. The Director of Learning is responsible for developing and implementing training programs that enhance Benchmark associates’ skills and align with organizational goals. This role ensures a culture of continuous learning that advances our purpose of transforming lives through human connection. Job Summary: The Deputy General Counsel Corporate is responsible for assisting the General Counsel, Legal, Investments, and Development Departments in corporate matters, including entity formation and maintenance, acquisitions and developments, debt and equity financings, compliance, contracts and regulatory matters.

Requirements

BA/BS degree
Juris Doctorate degree
Active state bar licensure
10+ years of broad corporate experience as a practicing attorney in good standing
Experience representing a company within the same or a very relevant sector is strongly preferred
Demonstrate a record of providing substantive/technical legal advice and support to senior management and business leaders, as well as a history of building strong relationships and possess a collaborative working style
Experience providing advice and support to business operations as well as infrastructure functions
Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to balance customer needs with business goals in developing solutions
Ability to excel as both a team lead and an individual contributor
Ability to drive creative new approaches
Ability to interact with senior level management combined with strong communication and presentation skills
Negotiation skills
Legal/Regulatory Knowledge
Ability to interact and negotiate with government agencies

Nice To Haves

Experience representing a company within the same or a very relevant sector is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide high quality legal advice to senior leadership and others within company on matters that affect or potentially affect Benchmark Senior Living, including contracts and corporate matters.
Provide legal advice and assistance on acquisitions, development projects, and equity and debt financings in conjunction with outside counsel.
Working together with Investments and outside counsel, negotiate and draft transactional and financing documents, and coordinate the legal aspects of closing M&A transactions (e.g., due diligence, integration, allocation of liabilities), supporting the company’s significant transactional activity including development, joint ventures, and acquisitions.
Coordinate with internal regulatory lawyers and multiple outside counsel on large transactions and strategic initiatives.
Assist with structure and documentation of the company’s co-invest vehicles.
Assist with structure and documentation of the company’s long-term incentive programs.
Assist with management of intellectual property issues, including trademarks.
Assist with oversight of One Company Fund, the company’s associated 501(c)(3) fund helping Benchmark associates experiencing unexpected hardships.
Review company-wide and multi-site contracts and provide legal guidance, with careful attention to business objectives.
Identify and assess legal risks and advise on risk reduction strategies.
Review and approve legal documents.
Effectively manage the work of the Legal Services Manager, Senior Corporate Counsel, Corporate and Licensing Paralegal, and department administrative support
Supervise formation, maintenance and dissolution of corporate entities
Oversee liquor licenses and other community-related permits.
Other duties and projects as assigned.