General Counsel

Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association•Denver, CO

1d•$260,000 - $330,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The General Counsel (GC) position, part of the Executive Leadership Team, is responsible for implementing, maintaining and protecting the Association’s legal posture and interests within the scope established by Colorado Statute, PERA’s Board of Trustees, and the Association’s CEO. This position handles complex and high-level legal matters requiring deep expertise in specialized areas such as member benefits, litigation support and strategy, health care, fiduciary issues, ethics, investments, contracts, employment law, open meetings, compliance, and governance. This position serves as a member of the executive leadership team, providing expertise and experience to the PERA policy and decision-making process. This role oversees a team of attorneys and paralegals, manages relationships with external counsel, and collaborates with executive leadership to ensure that PERA’s mission is carried out in a legally sound, ethical, and cost-effective manner. The position also provides oversight of the organization’s risk and compliance function and supports board governance and Board meeting management to help ensure effective governance practices and efficient administration of Board activities.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate and license to practice in the State of Colorado or the ability to obtain a license within one year of hire.
A minimum of ten years of professional legal work experience, preferably in areas such as retirement plans, administrative proceedings, litigation, investments, taxes, insurance, contracts and labor law
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with executives, staff, external stakeholders, and board members.
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Strong interpersonal skills, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to travel as necessary for business purposes
Flexibility and availability to respond to urgent legal matters outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 5 years in a leadership or executive role with responsibility for leading a legal team is preferred
Management/supervisory experience
Experience working closely with a governing board
Experience in interpreting current and proposed state and federal laws
Experience with regulatory and compliance activities related to public pension plans and institutional investment program is preferred

Responsibilities

Advises the CEO and PERA’s executive leadership on a wide range of legal matters including, but not limited to, fiduciary obligations, investments, board governance, health insurance, member benefits, legislation, ethics, compliance, risk, and employment law.
Provides legal advice to Board of Trustees and others regarding proposals or anticipated actions, Board governance, Board meeting protocol, and other areas.
Oversees coordination of legal activity performed by outside counsel.
Monitors compliance and other matters related to the fiduciary responsibilities of the Board and staff
Coordinates responsive action to issues relating to PERA benefits (pension, 457, 401(k), health care, etc.)
Coordinates responsive action to issues stemming from PERA administration (contracting, personnel, general liability, etc.)
Partners with the investment team to provide strategic legal and compliance leadership for the firm's investment activities and shareholder responsibilities
Oversees the organization’s risk and compliance function
Oversees the Board Liaison and coordination with the Board’s governance consultant to ensure appropriate Board governance and Board meeting management
Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations
Provides oversight and direction to leadership and the Board regarding PERA’s Governance Manual and compliance matters including working with third party partners and facilitating the Board of Trustee and CEO annual evaluation processes
Assists the CEO in legislative matters
Coordinates with the Director of Strategy and the Board’s governance consultant to assist the CEO and Board of Trustees in the long-range strategic planning process
Communicates with organizations within the industry regarding issues/interests in common with PERA
Provides leadership and direction to Divisions and staff under the oversight of the General Counsel and is responsible for all management functions including hiring, developing, and creating a high performing team
Sets and communicates staff performance standards and expectations that are specific and measurable for productivity goals and development; conducts performance reviews and other action when necessary
Engages staff in continuous learning, improvement, and operational performance
Ensures that staff have the resources, tools, and training needed to effectively fulfill their responsibilities
Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among team members.
Develops and adheres to Division’s annual budget, objectives, and goals
Carries out other duties as assigned