SVP General Counsel

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Incorporated•East Hartford, CT

About The Position

Senior Vice President, General Counsel provides leadership and guidance on all risk-related matters while contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the organization. Responsibilities include identifying, assessing, and managing risks across the organization while handling corporate legal initiatives for the organization. The General Counsel plays a pivotal role in the development and administration of the institution’s regulatory and compliance programs, while leading the enterprise risk and legal functions within the Credit Union. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

This role requires Subject Matter Expertise and the ability to provide mentorship, guidance and training to other team members.
This level of expertise will generally be attained with a minimum of 5 years’ experience with financial services compliance or risk management and a JD Degree, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing credit unions, banking, finance, and consumer protection.
Manages the organization's legal disputes and litigation matters, including oversight of external counsel and representation in legal proceedings.
Develops strategies to minimize legal risk exposure and resolve disputes in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Monitors changes in laws and regulations affecting the financial industry and advises stakeholders on potential impacts and compliance requirements.
Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, agreements, and legal documents, including vendor contracts, loan agreements, and employment contracts.
Oversees program(s) to meet the Credit Union's compliance requirements with consumer laws and regulations.
Stays abreast of regulatory developments and industry trends relevant to the organization's operations.
Ensures the organization's compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and industry-specific regulations.
Collaborates with internal departments and external advisors to address compliance issues and implement effective risk mitigation measures.
Proactive in vendor/ partner management to ensure strong value proposition and ROI for key vendor relationships.
Effectively provides oversight, accountability and leadership in annual regulatory exams.
Is accountable for all audit outcomes—within area of responsibility—identified by internal and external auditors including the NCUA and DOB
Oversees the process of identifying and assessing risks across the organization. This involves gathering information from various departments, conducting risk assessments, and prioritizing risks based on their potential impact and likelihood.
Collaborates with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies for mitigating or controlling risks. This includes implementing risk mitigation measures, improving internal controls, or transferring risk through insurance or other mechanisms.
Ensures that the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework aligns with organizational objectives and strategies. This involves understanding the business landscape, identifying potential or emerging risks that could affect strategic progress.
Monitors the effectiveness of risk management activities and providing regular reports to senior management and the board of directors. This includes tracking key risk indicators, assessing the status of risk mitigation efforts, and highlighting emerging risks or trends that may impact the organization.
Responsible for the completion of other duties as assigned.
Manages subordinates who manage and supervise team members within the Risk function.
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the area.
Provides the leadership that ensures supervisory responsibilities are effectively and efficiently carried out by subordinates in accordance with the organization's expectations, policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning and assigning work; appraising performance; rewarding, disciplining and terminating team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and providing career development opportunities.
Guides and assists subordinates in the application of the Credit Union's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.