Deputy General Counsel Regulatory

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.   Job Summary:   The Deputy General Counsel Regulatory is responsible for assisting the General Counsel, evaluating business operations to ensure that the company is following applicable laws and regulations, developing litigation strategies, and oversight of all regulatory matters and compliance. The Deputy General Counsel Regulatory also reviews litigation documents, oversees internal investigations, communicates with outside counsel and negotiates contracts.   Principal Duties/Responsibilities: Provide high quality legal advice on all matters that affect or potentially affect Benchmark Senior Living. Protect the company by establishing risk and compliance standards and expectations while creating opportunities and paths to allow the Company to fully execute strategy. Identify and assess legal risks and advise on risk reduction strategies. Oversee state regulatory compliance by reviewing all state audits, responding in writing to all state audits requiring follow-up, communicating with state regulators on any issues requiring follow-up and maintaining file of all regulatory communication. Supervise all public policy activities for the benefit of the Company. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for the Company. Provide advice to groups within the Company on legal consequences of contemplated actions. Oversee all legal aspects of material incidents, including playing a key role in investigations. Review and approve legal documents. Respond to legal claims and legal inquiries directed to Benchmark Senior Living. Perform legal analysis of matters encountered in and arising from Benchmark operations. Ensure that Benchmark Senior Living operations remain within prescribed legislated boundaries, including the laws applicable to Assisted Living Communities. Effectively manage the work of the Senior Corporate Regulatory Counsel, Legal Assistant, and department administrative support. Provide strategic leadership and address key strategic challenges. Other duties and projects as assigned.   Core Competencies Legal/Regulatory knowledge of assisted living communities, CCRCs and other providers of long term care Litigation Negotiation Contract law Public Policy   Education/Experience/Licensure/Certification: BA/BS degree Juris Doctorate degree Active state bar licensure 8-10+ 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   Required Skills/Abilities:  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   As a Home Office associate at Benchmark, you will have immediate access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:  10 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off  Tuition Reimbursement Program  Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs  Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield  401K Retirement Plan with Company Match  Long Term Care Insurance  Company-provided Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability