Assistant General Counsel

The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for managing the credit union's legal activities and advising senior management on key business strategies and their legal implications. This role oversees the Legal and Collections departments, and includes managing relationships with outside counsel, and playing a key part in complex business transactions, such as negotiating critical contracts. The AGC also provides leadership to their team, fostering staff development, performance, and succession planning while promoting a culture of growth, excellence, and continuous improvement. The AGC contributes to strategic initiatives and may participate in committees designated by Executive Management.

What You’ll Do:
Legal Department Operations
o Advise Management and Board of Directors on various legal, legislative, and regulatory matters affecting the credit union.
o Provide proactive assessments of the legal and regulatory landscape as it pertains to the credit union and its daily operations to assist Management and the Board of Directors (BOD) in executing strategies while ensuring the credit union's safety and soundness.
o Conduct legal research and analysis on current and changing laws and regulatory requirements for all operating areas within the credit union and ensuring processes, policies, and procedures remain compliant.
o Manage external counsel and acts as liaison for the credit union in all legal matters.
o Responsible for overseeing and ensuring appropriate review, negotiation, tracking, and centralization of all contracts and legal agreements.
o Maintain working knowledge of statutory rules and regulations set forth by GDBF, NCUA, FFIEC, and others, as well as internal policies, procedures, and processes.
o Assist the General Counsel in matters related to Corporate Governance, including organizational adherence to Bylaws, Policies, and required regulatory filings.
o Ensure timely communication and action with regulatory agencies and law enforcement on issues pertaining to the credit union.
o Professionally represent the credit union in appropriate Credit Union Trade associations.
o Address day-to-day ad hoc legal issues as needed by various operational divisions throughout the credit union.
o Provide regular status reporting to Executive Leadership and the BOD on Legal Department operation KPIs, emerging risks, and national trends.
Collections Oversight
o Provide leadership to the Collections Department by developing policies, departmental goals, and initiatives for managing delinquency and recovery activities to minimize losses.
o Ensure adherence to all federal and state regulations (e.g., FDCPA, UDAAP, BAPCPA, UCC, etc.) and oversee accurate credit bureau reporting and dispute responses (FCRA, FCBA).
o Report to Executive Leadership and the BOD regarding delinquency trends, charge-offs, and departmental KPIs.
o Identify and drive operational efficiencies through process re-engineering, RFP processes for new technology, and system integration, ensuring cost-effective and compliant operations.
o Collaborate across the organization with to align collections strategy seamlessly with operational objectives.
o Influence stakeholders and Executive Leadership with clear, concise, and data-driven insights and recommendations on portfolio health, recovery performance, and strategic direction.
• All other duties assigned consistent with the credit union’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Comply with all applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act.

What You Can Expect:
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable law.

Benefits and Perks
Employer-Paid Benefits:
o Health Insurance (only employee premium paid)
o Short and Long Term Disability
o Life Insurance and AD&D
Benefits:
o Dental & Vision Insurance
o Health Care and Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts
o 401K Plan with match (based on length of employment)
Perks:
o Generous paid time off- Earn over 4 weeks of PTO during your first year of employment
o Holidays- 11 observed holidays in addition to paid time off
o Tuition reimbursement- Up to $5000 per year
o Performance based Incentive program

Job Education and Experience Required:
o Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school or other approved law school
o Must be licensed with the State Bar of Georgia, complete the licensing requirements within a negotiated timeline, or be otherwise eligible to provide legal services to the credit union under applicable rules and regulations of the Georgia Bar.
o 8 years’ related experience in corporate law and creditor’s rights or other relevant experience.

Preferred Education, Certifications & Experience:
o Other certifications and/or licenses such as CUCE (CUNA Credit Union Compliance Expert) are desirable but not required. Equivalent certifications and/or licenses are also desirable.
o Experience with credit unions and/or other financial institutions, or a governing regulatory agency (e.g., NCUA, CFPB, FDIC, OCC, state regulatory agencies, etc.)

Knowledge and Job Performance Requirements:
o Skilled in reviewing and negotiating complex and critical contracts.
o Skills: Leadership, management and strategic /critical thinking planning, excellent presentation; ability to make quick decisions and to take calculated risks; analytical and mathematical skills with ability to handle multiple tasks; project management; diplomacy; team building; motivational; excellent communication both verbal and written; high levels of reasoning capability and problem resolution; ability to work on matters of corporate governance and with a BOD, demonstrated self-confidence and self-starter; strong organizational skills; Knowledge of budgeting and planning; computer proficiency (e.g. Microsoft Office Products).
Physical Demands:
o The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
o While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
o Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
o Vision requirements include close and classroom vision.
o Rarely required to travel by automobile.
o Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours.