General Counsel/Corporate Secretary

Summary: As a key member of the executive management team reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary will be responsible for developing Royal Neighbors of America’s (RNA) legal strategy; managing the company’s internal legal function and corresponding operating budget; and directing the activities of outside counsel. The executive will provide senior management and the Board of Directors with effective legal advice on corporate governance and general business issues, including litigation as well as complex contractual negotiations with customers, distribution partners, reinsurers and other third parties. The executive will ensure that RNA is operated and managed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Foremost, the successful candidate will be a business-minded attorney with expertise in contracts and corporate governance – a credible and knowledgeable legal executive with experience in the insurance industry and with the gravitas to lead a lean team of professionals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Legal

• Lead and manage the legal function, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide legal support to the investment team, including contract negotiation and deal structuring.
• Manage litigation matters, overseeing case strategy and resolution.
• Coordinate with and supervise outside counsel for specialized legal matters.
• Ensure all contracts and legal documents are reviewed, approved, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Compliance & Risk Oversight

• Oversee the compliance and risk management functions, ensuring adherence to organizational policies.
• Maintain regulatory oversight, ensuring the organization remains compliant with evolving laws and industry standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks.
• Implement and update policies in response to changes in regulatory environments and industry trends.

Corporate Secretary & Governance

• Serve as Corporate Secretary, managing Board-related duties, including preparing agendas and materials for Board meetings.
• Act as liaison to the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, facilitating communications and ensuring compliance with governance practices.
• Maintain corporate records, including minutes of Board and committee meetings.
• Ensure all regulatory filings and disclosures are timely and accurate.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Manage the Political Action Committee (PAC) and oversee its activities in line with legal and ethical guidelines.
• Lead political engagement efforts, fostering relationships with key government agencies and legislative bodies.
• Oversee advocacy efforts and relationships with external stakeholders, such as the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).
• Monitor and assess legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization’s operations, advising leadership on strategies for engagement.
• Some travel is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and operations of the legal and compliance departments in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems. An inclusive people leader who can also coach, mentor and develop the team.

Education and/or Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school required. Must have active Bar License in Illinois. Six to twelve years insurance industry related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, five to ten years’ experience working at a management level in the legal area, required. 

Executive Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following core competencies: Communicates Clearly and Effectively; Demonstrates Leadership; Achieves Results; Manages Performance; Builds Partnerships; Thinks Strategically; Customer Centric; Adapts to and Promotes Change; and Personal Growth and Development.

Technical Competencies:

Possesses strong ability to understand complex business operations and provide legal insights that support business objectives. Must be capable of analyzing legal issues within a business context and offering solutions that mitigate risk while driving growth. Demonstrates strategic vision and direction for the Legal function while working closely with senior leadership to provide guidance on organizational strategy and business planning. Must have the ability to balance legal risks with business needs and long-term organizational objectives. 

Industry Competencies:

Life insurance industry experience. Life and annuity product knowledge, compliance, and regulations.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or styles. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands:

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifteen pounds.

Work Environment:

This position offers a hybrid work environment, allowing flexibility to work both from home and in the office. In-office work may vary based on business needs. While the exact frequency of in-office work is subject to change, the role requires adaptability to meet the evolving demands of the business area. The noise level in the office is moderate, providing a comfortable environment for focused work. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable on-site accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The organization values work-life balance and strives to maintain a flexible and collaborative environment for all employees.