VP, Corporate Counsel

Who we are:

At SECU, we put our employees first, recognizing that their well-being and professional development are vital to our success. By fostering a supportive and empowering work environment, our employees are committed to helping members achieve long-term financial security. They are also inspired to give back to the communities we serve by volunteering and spreading kindness, which reflects our core values and who we are as an organization.

Every employee at SECU contributes to our members’ financial well-being, and we’ll always do what’s right for our members, employees, and communities.

Feel good about what you do. Belong to a place where you matter and can make a difference.

What you will do:

The VP, Corporate Counsel provides daily oversight and management support to SECU legal functions. This position safeguards SECU members and interests by ensuring SECU remains compliant with regulation and mitigating legal risks.

The VP, Corporate Counsel adheres to regulations and organizational policies, maintaining awareness and knowledge required to perform the duties of the position, including all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations, such as OFAC, and the USA Patriot Act, Fair Lending and Information Security.

A day in your life might include:

• Responsible for managing daily legal department operations and supporting the Chief Legal Officer
• Responsible for development and implementation of department policies, procedures and reporting
• Provides legal support for Complaint Management Program; advises of systemic issues or member pain points requiring remediation; supports remediation
• Provides timely and professional legal support and opinion/guidance to management and staff
• Performs research on legal/regulatory inquiries affecting SECU
• Reviews, drafts and formalizes all legal documents
• Reviews contracts and other legal documents, provides feedback and ensures agreements meet SECU standards
• Represents SECU in court actions as required; negotiations outcomes/settlements as appropriate
• Reviews SECU policies, programs, procedures and disclosures
• Supports SECU projects and initiatives
• Reviews and provides comment for notice of proposed rulemaking, advocating for SECU’s interests
• Evaluates and recommends use of outside counsel by SECU and partners with outside counsel on specialized matters.
• Monitors credit union industry trends as well as legal and regulatory developments to advise leadership accordingly.
• Fosters a culture of compliance and legal awareness organizationally

Additional Responsibilities may include:

• Interact and support CUSO partners and credit union partners
• Partner with BSA, Compliance and Risk Management Leadership to ensure alignment with guidance, rules, and regulations

What we need from you:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, guidance, and training to direct reports
• Oversee staff performance, conduct evaluations, and support professional development
• Assign projects, set priorities, and ensure departmental objectives are met
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance work environment focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Education Requirements

• JD Required
• License to practice law in Maryland
• Certified Credit Union Compliance Officer (CUCO) Certification or Certified Regulatory Compliance (CRCM) Certification required or must be obtained within the first year of employment

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years of experience supporting legal and regulatory compliance operations of a financial institution
• 2-3 years management experience preferred
• 5 years’ experience actively practicing law in Maryland required
• Credit Union experience preferred but not required
• Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, failures and overall deliverables
• Utilizes oral and written communication to enhance relationships across the organization
• Clearly communicates information, thoughts and ideas in a clear, concise and organized manner
• Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, culture, and geography
• Possesses a clear understanding of strengths, limitations, emotions, beliefs, and motivations of self and others
• Maintains composure and effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment
• Adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
• Demonstrates an understanding of SECU’s culture, core values, mission and strategic priorities as it relates to one’s work and overall performance

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds

Compensation Information: Offers will be commensurate with experience and education. Please Note: We typically hire at or below mid-point, which is $238,600 for this role.

• Salary: Min. $170,400 – Max. $306,800

Other Compensation Includes:

• Annual corporate-wide incentives

We provide comprehensive benefits, with a focus on total well-being:

• Medical, vision, dental benefits
• 401k plan with company matching
• Generous sick, vacation and personal leave
• And more...2026 SECU Benefits Guide

SECU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all individuals are valued and respected. We take pride in providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.