General Counsel

Jobtailor

Illinois

On-site

USD 250,000 - 360,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

IFF seeks a seasoned General Counsel to lead the global legal, governance, and compliance program. You will advise the CEO, Board, and executive leadership on complex regulatory and strategic matters, oversee strategy execution, and guide major corporate initiatives with a focus on risk management and fiduciary responsibilities.

You will manage external counsel, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and lead a multidisciplinary team across governance, risk, and legal operations.

Qualifications

JD required from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing.
15+ years in legal counsel, compliance, governance, or enterprise risk.
Experience with real estate finance and development structures.
Proven ability to advise CEOs and boards on strategy and risk.

Responsibilities

Serve as chief legal officer and advisor to executive leadership on legal, governance, risk, regulatory, and reputational matters.
Develop and execute IFF's legal, governance, and enterprise compliance strategy.
Advise CEO, President & COO, ELT, and Board on material risks and strategic decisions.
Provide guidance on contracts, partnerships, and governance across the enterprise.
Lead governance frameworks, board processes, and risk escalation protocols.
Oversee investigations, regulatory responses, and significant litigation.
Monitor regulatory developments affecting CDFIs and community development lending (to the extent applicable).
Coordinate external counsel and maintain relationships with regulators and partners.
Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.
Lead and mentor the Risk, Compliance & Legal team.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Negotiation

Organizational Governance

Cross-Functional Coordination

Crisis Management

Litigation Management

Enterprise Risk Management

Community Development Finance

Strategic Planning

Equity Diversity Inclusion

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Active state bar membership

Tools

None

Job description

Serve as IFF’s chief legal officer and principal advisor to executive leadership on legal, governance, enterprise risk, regulatory, reputational, and strategic matters
Own the development and execution of IFF’s legal, governance, and enterprise compliance strategy
Participate in enterprise strategic planning and major organizational initiatives
Advise the CEO, President & COO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on material strategic, regulatory, governance, legal, and reputational risks
Provide legal guidance on strategic and operational decisions, laws, regulations, contractual obligations, partnerships, contracted services agreements, and enterprise initiatives
Direct organizational understanding and adherence to CDFI Fund rules, federal lending laws, grant agreements, and tax-exempt/non-profit requirements
Lead governance structures, board processes, enterprise accountability structures, policy frameworks, and risk escalation protocols
Serve as principal governance advisor to the Board and Board committees
Establish legal review standards, delegation protocols, contracting frameworks, and risk thresholds
Advise operational leaders on vendor, technology, employment, and regulatory risks
Oversee sensitive internal investigations, regulatory responses, significant litigation, and crisis management
Monitor industry trends, legislative changes, and regulatory developments affecting CDFIs and community development finance
Develop and revise organizational policies and procedures
Lead and mentor the Risk, Compliance & Legal team
Coordinate outside counsel and maintain relationships with legal counsel, regulatory agencies, industry partners, consultants, and vendors
Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion

Requirements

Juris doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with the state bar
Minimum of fifteen years of experience in legal counsel, compliance, governance, enterprise risk, or operational law with a focus on commercial real estate finance, community development lending, or a related field
Experience with negotiations, LLC formation and structuring, bond, incentive, and real estate development financing, and development partnership structures
Strong understanding of organizational governance, contracts, regulatory environments, and enterprise operations
Demonstrated success advising CEOs, executive leadership teams, and governing boards on enterprise strategy, organizational risk, governance, and major institutional decisions
Demonstrated experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, or comparable executive-level role
Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and governing boards
Experience leading organizations through significant change, crises, restructurings, litigation, or regulatory matters
Experience balancing legal judgment with organizational strategy and mission objectives
Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and evolving organizational environments
Strong judgment balancing legal protection with operational practicality
Experience coordinating cross-functional initiatives involving legal and compliance considerations
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders
Strong relationship management and organizational influence skills
Collaborative, team player who possesses interpersonal skills to work across all levels of the organization
Possesses humility and a willingness to learn about all areas of the organization
Occasional travel to IFF offices
Occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work

Core Competencies

Expertise in legal counsel, governance, and enterprise risk management, with a strong focus on community development finance and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to advise executive leadership and governing boards on strategic decisions while balancing legal and operational considerations.

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