VP Corporate Counsel - Legal and Governance

Our associates enjoy a one-of-a-kind culture with a rich benefits package that includes:
 
 

• Generous paid time off: 11 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 6 personal days, 15 vacation days, plus sick time
• Low-cost Medical, Dental & Vision plans – as low as $5 per pay period
• Paid childcare assistance (up to $96 per pay period)
• Award-winning 401(k) 5% discretionary match - fully vested from day 1
• 100% Gym fee reimbursement up to $75/month
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement Up to $5,250
• $1200/yr student loan repayment
• Target hiring range $200K - $230K (Depending on experience and prior to any incentives this position is eligible for)

Summary

At OneAZ Credit Union, we live by our brand promise: “We Win as One.” As we continue to advance the frontier of innovation, create vibrant connections with our communities and unleash a borderless banking experience, we are seeking an impactful, compassionate, and fearless leader to join our team as Vice President, Corporate Counsel, Legal & Governance. This pivotal role will oversee board governance practices, provide expert legal counsel to the board, executives and the organization, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, aligning with our internal values: Be Impactful, Be Compassionate, Be Fearless, Be Accountable, and Be Curious. 

The ideal candidate: will bring dep expertise in financial services law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, coupled with a collaborative mindset that drives innovation and results.  This individual will play a key role in shaping OneAZ future by ensuring sound governance, supporting strategic initiatives like mergers and acquisitions, mentoring a high-performing legal team (future state), and helping transition our existing organizational structure for the future. 

Essential Functions

• Corporate Governance and Legal Oversight: 
• Lead OneAZ Credit Union’s corporate governance program, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and industry-specific laws and regulations. 
• Advise the board of directors and executive management on governance matters, including fiduciary duties, strategic decisions, and regulatory obligations. 
• Develop, review, and maintain corporate governance documents, including bylaws, board minutes, policies, and reports. 
• Ensure that OneAZ Credit Union’s corporate structure, practices, and decision-making align with the highest standards of governance. 
• Act as the legal liaison between the board, executive team, and stakeholders. 
• Foster a culture of trust and transparency with the board, CEO, executive team, and other stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of governance and excellence. 
• Legal Counsel: 
• Provide strategic and day-to-day legal counsel to the credit union’s CEO and executive leadership team on business operations, contracts, regulatory issues, and general corporate matters. 
• Stay informed on developments in financial services laws, consumer protection laws, and industry regulations to proactively advise on legal risks and opportunities. 
• Manage the credit union’s legal affairs, including litigation, disputes, and investigations, working closely with external counsel when necessary. 
• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs: 
• Ensure the credit union complies with all applicable laws, including NCUA, state(s), and CFPB regulations, consumer protection laws, and other relevant federal and state requirements. 
• Collaborate with compliance officers to establish, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support legal and regulatory compliance across all departments. 
• Serve as the primary legal contact for regulatory agencies, working to ensure that OneAZ Credit Union is meeting regulatory requirements and responding to inquiries or examinations. 
• Risk Management and Mitigation: 
• Lead initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and governance risks across the credit union’s operations. 
• Provide legal guidance on risk management strategies, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the credit union’s assets and reputation. 
• Advise on crisis management, litigation strategies, and other high-risk matters to safeguard the organization’s interests. 
• Vendor Management: 
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to mitigate risks and safeguard the credit union’s interests. 
• Review vendor contracts to align with legal, operational, strategic, and financial goals. 
• Develop and maintain a vendor monitoring program to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. 
• Leadership & Team Management: 
• Lead and mentor a team of risk, governance and legal professionals by fostering an environment that is consistent with OneAZ’s values. 
• Oversee the legal department’s operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring. 
• Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team. 
• Strategic Legal Projects: 
• Support key business initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, other strategic transactions, and help navigate a future-oriented organizational structure. 
• Provide counsel on intellectual property, corporate social responsibility, and other specialized legal matters as they arise. 
• Advocacy & Industry Leadership: 
• Spearhead industry and political advocacy efforts, positioning the organization as a leader in its sector and aligning with broader industry trends. 
• Represent the organization in external forums, strengthening its political and industry presence. 
• Mergers & Acquisitions: 
• Work with outside counsel on evaluating acquisition or merger deals, focusing on risk management and other legal matters 
• Foster a culture of creative dialogue, encouraging healthy tension among executives and stakeholders to drive innovation and challenge assumptions. 
• Must be comfortable and confident counseling, interacting and when necessary, respectfully pushing back with C-level executives and Board of Directors. 
• Travel:
• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, regulatory meetings, or site visits. 

Education

H.S. Diploma Required

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school Required 

Experience

8-10 years similar or related legal experience, with a focus on corporate governance, financial services, or banking law.            

5-8 years similar or related experience in a leadership role.       

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of state and federal financial regulations, including NCUA rules, CFPB regulations, and other relevant laws affecting credit unions and banks. High

Strong experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents, including contracts and corporate governance materials. High

Proven track record of advising the CEO, executive leadership and the board on legal and governance issues. High

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external parties. High

In-house experience, ideally within financial services or other highly regulated industry, strongly preferred.         

Mergers & Acquisitions and other corporate transactions experience.       

Familiarity with the unique regulatory framework affecting banks, fintechs, and credit unions.             

Experience with litigation management and dispute resolution.     

Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across departments.           

A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.           

Licenses/Certifications

Active membership in good standing with the Arizona State Bar required.                       

Additional Considerations
  
Ensures compliance with applicable policies, laws, and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, USA Patriot Act, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).  
As applicable, any individual who meets the definition of a mortgage loan originator (MLO) and is employed by a federal agency-regulated institution will need to be registered on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).

At OneAZ, we’re not just a bank (credit union); we’re a financial trailblazer that cares passionately about inspiring dreams and driving prosperity and growth in the areas we serve.  We exist to clear the ways for dreamers and doers and aspire to be the bank for America’s new pioneers.  We are the driving change in our communities and are continuously improving our products and services so our members and their families can relentlessly pursue their dreams.  By embodying our values and living our promise, you’ll be part of a team committed to exceeding expectations and redefining what’s possible. Our promise is clear: Our Success is Measured Only By Yours.