Branch Chief

U.S.-Securities-and-Exchange-Commission; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeks a Branch Chief in the Chief Counsel's Office, Division of Investment Management, to lead a team of staff attorneys tasked with issuing guidance such as no-action letters and exemptive relief under the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act.

You will supervise day-to-day operations, manage diverse assignments, and collaborate with senior leadership to support the Commission while ensuring compliance with federal securities laws.

Qualifications

• J.D. or LL.B. degree required.
• Active bar membership in good standing in a U.S. state, DC or Puerto Rico.
• 3+ years post-J.D. experience identifying legal issues and drafting documents.
• Experience advising on Federal securities laws and coordinating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of staff attorneys in issuing no-action letters and staff bulletins.
• Provide exemptive relief under the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act.
• Manage day-to-day operations and supervise staff attorney work.
• Collaborate with leadership to support the Commission and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Legal analysis

Legal writing

Regulatory analysis

Teamwork

Workload management

Critical thinking

Policy advisory

Education

J.D./LL.B. degree

Bar membership in good standing

Job description

The Chief Counsel's Office in the Division of Investment Management is seeking a Branch Chief to lead a team responsible for issuing guidance (such as no-action letters and staff bulletins) and providing exemptive relief under the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act and their related rules. In this role, you will manage the day-to-day operations of a team of staff attorneys, oversee a broad range of assignments, and collaborate with leadership to support the Commission. Applicants are responsible for confirming all required materials are submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please check the How You Will Be Evaluated and Required Documents sections carefully, as missing documents will render the application incomplete and ineligible for review.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following:

• J.D. or LL.B. degree --AND--
• Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the minimum qualification requirement.

SK-15: Applicant must have at least 3 years of post J.D. work experience independently identifying legal issues, providing legal analyses, providing legal solutions/recommendations, and preparing legal documents such as contracts memoranda, briefs, and disclosure documents, which also includes 2 years:

1. Providing advice on issues and policies related to Federal securities laws, statutes, rules and regulations; AND
2. Conducting in-depth reviews and analyses of matters to ensure the legal adequacy, sufficiency, and soundness of recommended or taken actions; AND
3. Identifying legal risks, evaluating alternative approaches, and developing well-supported recommendations that inform decision-makers; AND
4. Coordinating with stakeholders to resolve legal questions and ensure consistent application of Federal securities law requirements.

ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD COMPETENCIES:

Your Accomplishment Record narratives should address the following competencies. See the How You Will Be Evaluated section below for more information:

Competency 1: Legal and Regulatory Analysis -

Conducts analysis and prepares documents relating to compliance with Federal securities laws.

Competency 2: Teamwork and Collaboration -

Interacts with internal and external stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives.

Competency 3: Workload Management -

Effectively prioritizes workload in a way that accommodates unforeseen developments and achieves successful outcomes.

Competency 4: Critical Thinking -

Considers a variety of factors, general and subject matter-specific, when making decisions and determining next steps in a case.