VP of Legal

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union; Texas; On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

Community Engagement Programs

Job summary

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union seeks a Vice President of Legal to provide strategic guidance to executive leadership and the Board. This role leads the legal function, oversees governance, compliance, contracts and regulatory matters, and protects the Credit Union's interests.

The position requires a JD, bar admission, and at least 10 years of progressive legal experience including 5 years in senior leadership within a corporate setting. Strong negotiation and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with state bar and able to practice law.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive legal experience, incl. 5+ years in strategic leadership within a corporate legal dept.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal legal advisor to leadership and the Board, offering strategic counsel on legal, regulatory, governance and business matters.
• Lead and manage the legal function, including internal resources and external counsel.
• Develop, implement and maintain legal strategies, policies, and procedures aligning with objectives and compliance.
• Advise on legal risks and regulatory requirements affecting operations, products and initiatives.
• Oversee integrity of corporate governance, board administration and regulatory interactions.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Corporate governance

Risk management

Litigation oversight

Communication skills

Board liaison

Privacy & security

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Description

Vice President of Legal | Location: 11149 Research Blvd, Austin, TX, 78759 | Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm| FLSA Status: Exempt

At Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on our members, our community, and each other. If you’re an experienced legal professional who enjoys providing strategic legal guidance, advising executive leadership and Boards of Directors, and overseeing corporate governance, contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance, our Vice President of Legal position could be your next great opportunity. This role serves as the principal legal advisor to the Credit Union, developing and implementing legal strategies that support organizational objectives, protect the Credit Union's interests, and uphold ethicalbusiness practices. Come grow with us and make a difference every day.

What You’ll Do

Legal Strategy & Executive Counsel

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to leadership and the Board of Directors, providing strategic counsel on legal, regulatory, governance, and business matters.
• Lead and manage the Credit Union's legal function, including oversight of internal legal resources and external legal counsel.
• Develop, implement, and maintain legal strategies, policies, and procedures that support organizational objectives and promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advise leadership on legal risks and regulatory requirements impacting operations, products, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Promote and uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and corporate responsibility throughout the organization.

Contracts, Litigation & Business Transactions

• Review, draft, negotiate, and interpret contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the Credit Union's interests and mitigate risk.
• Oversee litigation, claims, disputes, investigations, and other legal proceedings, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external counsel as appropriate.
• Provide legal guidance and support for mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, vendor relationships, and other complex business transactions.

Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance

• Advise on corporate governance matters, including Board administration, governance practices, resolutions, policies, and organizational records.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, governmental authorities, outside counsel, and other external legal stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and industry developments and recommend actions necessary to maintain compliance and minimize organizational risk.
• Support enterprise risk management efforts by identifying, assessing, and addressing legal and regulatory risks.
• Oversee the protection and management of the Credit Union's intellectual property, confidential information, and other legal interests.

Training, Reporting & Department Management

• Develop and deliver legal and compliance education, training, and guidance to employees, leadership, and the Board of Directors.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations regarding legal matters for executive leadership, Board committees, and the Board of Directors.
• Manage the legal department budget, resources, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient and effective legal operations.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar and ability to practice law in applicable jurisdictions.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, including a minimum of 5 years providing strategic leadership within a corporate legal department or business environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate law, contract negotiation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience advising leadership teams and Boards of Directors on complex legal, regulatory, and strategic business matters.
• Proven experience managing litigation, investigations, regulatory examinations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions and credit unions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing legal teams, outside counsel, and cross-functional business relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professional responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as Corporate Counsel or senior legal executive within a credit union, financial institution, or other highly regulated industry.
• Familiarity with National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and other financial services regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, charter expansions, or other complex strategic initiatives.
• Familiarity with credit union documentation and processes, operations, lending, and collections.
• Experience with data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and vendor management matters.
• Corporate Secretary experience supporting Board governance activities.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re more than a credit union — we’re a community. At Austin Telco, you’ll find a supportive culture, opportunities for growth, and a mission-driven team that puts people first.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, plus optional coverage for critical illness, legal support, and more
• Paid Time Off: Federal holidays, vacation, sick leave, and special paid days for birthdays, work anniversaries, and other milestones
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company match and a pension plan
• Community Engagement: Volunteer opportunities and credit union-sponsored events
• A supportive, mission-driven culture that values respect, empathy, service, integrity, and cooperation

Additional Requirements

• Good credit standing (verified prior to interview)
• Completion of an Assessment
• Successful education verification
• Successful background check and drug screening upon offer
• Verification of active state bar membership in good standing

Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.