Director, Senior Legal Counsel - Board Governance

Janus Henderson • Denver, CO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role serves as a senior-level attorney supporting the Boards of Trustees of Janus Henderson’s U.S. retail and intermediary mutual fund products (Janus Investment Fund “JIF” and Janus Aspen Series “JAS”) and their committees. The position provides independent legal judgment, regulatory interpretation, and decision-ready information to support the Trusts’ governance and regulatory obligations under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) for JIF/JAS, the role is accountable for day-to-day legal execution on board and governance matters, with escalation of complex issues to the CLO as appropriate.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing of a U.S. state bar.
• Substantive experience advising U.S. registered investment companies (mutual funds and/or ETFs) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and related SEC rules and regulations.
• Experience supporting fund boards of trustees and their committees, including preparation and review of board materials and governance processes.
• Working knowledge of fund board governance, Section 15(c) annual contract review process, committee structures, and board oversight responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory matters into clear, decision-ready information and to collaborate effectively with trustees, business partners, and management at all levels.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and issue-spotting skills, with sound legal judgment and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deliverables under continuous, deadline-driven workflows and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and act as an independent fiduciary in the best interests of the Trusts and their shareholders.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment and flexibility to work extended hours, as needed to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to adhere to the provisions of the Investment Advisory Code of Ethics related to personal securities activities and other disclosure and certification requirements.
• Understanding of regulatory obligations of the firm, and abide by regulated entity requirements and JHI policies applicable for the role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ETFs.
• Experience supervising or leading a board team or paralegals.
• Experience championing automation and process improvement within a legal function.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary senior attorney supporting the JIF/JAS CLO and Boards of Trustees and their committees across various stakeholders.
• Prepare and review board and committee materials to ensure clear, complete, well-vetted, and decision-ready information.
• Provide day-to-day legal execution on board and governance matters, serving as the primary point of contact for routine board legal matters.
• Support board and committee meetings, including agenda planning, materials review, issue spotting, meeting participation, minutes review, and follow-up on action items.
• Support the annual investment advisory contract review (Section 15(c)) process.
• Provide board-level legal support for product development and fund lifecycle events.
• Support major legal projects from a board-governance perspective.
• Advise on board governance policies, committee charters, and trustee education.
• Partner with other attorneys, board and disclosure staff, internal business lines, and external counsel.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.
• May include oversight of board support staff within the JIF/JAS support model.

Benefits

• Hybrid working and reasonable accommodations
• Generous Holiday policies
• Paid volunteer time
• Support to grow through professional development courses, tuition/qualification reimbursement and more
• Maternal/paternal leave benefits and family services
• Complimentary subscription to Headspace – the mindfulness app
• Corporate membership to ClassPass and other health and well-being benefits
• Unique employee events and programs
• Complimentary beverages, snacks and all employee Happy Hours
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• Competitive compensation
• Pension/retirement plans
• Various health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree