Vice President, Chief U.S. Counsel & Corporate Secretary, U.S. Operations- job post
iA American
Waco, TX•Temporarily remote
Urgently hiring
Job details
Job Type
Full-time
Number of hires for this role
1
Qualifications
Doctorate (Preferred)
Full Job Description
The position holds overall responsibility for the legal, compliance, and general risk management functions of the US subsidiaries of iA Financial Group. These US businesses include providers and administrators of finance and insurance (F&I) and related income enhancement solutions for automotive dealers, an A-rated P&C insurance company, and a group of A-rated life insurance companies, all of which are headquartered in central Texas. iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada. Founded in 1892, it is an important Canadian public company and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares). To learn more, check out www.ia.ca
Local candidates in Austin, Waco, or Dallas preferred but relocation will be considered.
Job Title: Vice President, Chief U.S. Counsel & Corporate Secretary, U.S. Operations
Department: Legal / Risk & Compliance
Possible Locations: Austin, TX; Waco, TX; Dallas, TX
Reports To: Vice President, Legal Services & Corporate Secretary, iA Financial Group
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Legal / Corporate Governance – 60-70%
Provides executive level management to the legal, compliance and risk-related functions for U.S. subsidiaries of iA Financial Group, including IA American Life Insurance Company, American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas, Dealers Assurance Company (DAC), and iA American Warranty Group (collectively, the “Company”).
Manages team of senior level attorneys, and compliance and risk professionals
Provides strategic legal advice, and responsible for delivery of legal services to the Company. This includes both the U.S. Life and Dealer Services lines of business, as well as regular corporate support.
Serves as primary internal legal advisor on merger and acquisition activity involving U.S. lines of business.
Oversees corporate secretarial function for U.S. subsidiaries, managing Board and Committee meetings, including attending and recording the meetings, advising the Board on governance matters as well as its roles and responsibilities, and maintaining corporate documents, records, and corporate filings. Serves as Assistant Corporate Secretary of the parent company for purposes related to the US branch. Responsible for overall U.S. entity management and governance. Reports quarterly to the Company’s Audit Committee on areas of responsibility, including litigation risk and regulatory issues.
Responsible for litigation management involving the Company, working with management and legal team to develop litigation and dispute resolution strategies, including oversight of outside counsel.
Responsible for the legal review, negotiation and/or drafting of contracts entered into by the Company, including insurance policies, leases, service agreements, investment management and custodial agreements, marketing agreements, third party administration agreements, reinsurance agreements, and merger and acquisition agreements.
Serves as primary legal contact with Human Resources on various matters such as escalated employee performance issues, EEOC complaints, and employment-related litigation.
Serves as liaison with parent company and collaborates with other legal advisors within iA Financial Group.
Compliance – 20-30%
Responsible for overseeing the Company compliance program, working closely with senior attorneys and AVP / Compliance Officers, including recommendations regarding legislative and regulatory changes, and directs the preparation of related legal documents to meet the compliance requirements of the organization.
Risk Management – 5-15%
Responsible for overseeing the risk management program for the Company, including DAC’s non-affiliate obligor audit program, through executive support to AVP & Risk Management Officer who runs day-to-day operational program supporting these functions.
EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Juris doctor degree.
Admitted to practice law in at least one state.
15 or more years’ experience practicing law, preferably with significant experience in a corporate insurance department.
Extensive knowledge of the insurance industry and related regulatory environment is required, and associated experience with service contract industry and regulatory environment is strongly preferred.
Experience managing legal and compliance staff in a matrixed corporate environment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Strategic mindset and strong business acumen to effectively support management at executive level.
Ability to proactively anticipate legal issues and strategically address those issues.
Ability to apply creativity and an entrepreneurial approach to the development of legal arguments, and policy or advisory responsibilities.
Sets an example for employees and others on the team and within the organization in the areas of personal character, commitment, and work ethic, with respect for diverse opinions and people.
Demonstrates Company values with respect for others and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion in working with team members and other colleagues, clients, and vendors.
Proven ability to ‘coach’ subordinates to develop a multi-level team and achieve business goals.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to persuade and influence rather than dictate and control.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to apply those across the organization.
Ability to self-start high levels of performance and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
High level of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Ability to lead and support change, both procedural and organizational.
Strong familiarity with productivity and research tools such as all Microsoft Office products, legal and compliance research products such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and NILS, and other internet-based resources.
Familiarity with electronic board platforms including Diligent Boards helpful, but not required.
Focus on self-development as evidenced by ongoing training and solid developmental plans for self and staff.
WORKING CONDITION, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is sedentary in nature and is performed in a traditional office environment with cubicles. Typically, the incumbent will sit comfortably while performing the work, with some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items, such as papers, books, and files. Other physical demands in performing the essential functions of this position include: digital dexterity, hearing, seeing, and talking. Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, take initiative, cope with stress, adapt, and stay alert in a business environment. Regular travel required for Board and other company meetings and occasional conferences.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This job description reflects a summary of the job and does not prescribe or restrict the responsibilities that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Application Question(s):
Do you have 15 or more years’ experience practicing law, preferably with significant experience in a corporate insurance department?
Do you have experience managing legal and compliance staff in a matrixed corporate environment?
Do you have extensive knowledge of the insurance industry and related regulatory environment, and associated experience with service contract industry and regulatory environment?
Education:
Doctorate (Preferred)
Work Location:
Multiple locations
Work Remotely:
Temporarily due to COVID-19
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