General Counsel

Summary of Job Responsibilities

The General Counsel (GC) position, part of the Executive Leadership Team, is responsible for implementing, maintaining and protecting the Association’s legal posture and interests within the scope established by Colorado Statute, PERA’s Board of Trustees, and the Association’s CEO. This position handles complex and high‑level legal matters requiring deep expertise in specialized areas such as member benefits, litigation support and strategy, health care, fiduciary issues, ethics, investments, contracts, employment law, open meetings, compliance, and governance. This position serves as a member of the executive leadership team, providing expertise and experience to the PERA policy and decision‑making process. This role oversees a team of attorneys and paralegals, manages relationships with external counsel, and collaborates with executive leadership to ensure that PERA’s mission is carried out in a legally sound, ethical, and cost‑effective manner.

The position also provides oversight of the organization’s risk and compliance function and supports board governance and Board meeting management to help ensure effective governance practices and efficient administration of Board activities.

Ideal Candidate

Colorado PERA seeks an experienced attorney who thrives in a hands‑on and collaborative environment to be the next General Counsel. The ideal candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently educate and advise the Board, CEO, and others on complex legal and regulatory matters related to public pension management. The ideal candidate will be committed to upholding the fiduciary duty to our members and beneficiaries of Colorado PERA. This person will be able to quickly gain the confidence and respect of the Board, the executive team, leadership and staff. In addition, this person will have experience advising public agencies and understand that legal opinions must reflect the administrative realities within which the agency operates. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of fiduciary standards and obligations and experience overseeing legal, compliance, and board governance matters involving public pension funds and institutional investments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Advises the CEO and PERA’s executive leadership on a wide range of legal matters including, but not limited to, fiduciary obligations, investments, board governance, health insurance, member benefits, legislation, ethics, compliance, risk, and employment law.
• Provides legal advice to Board of Trustees and others regarding proposals or anticipated actions, Board governance, Board meeting protocol, and other areas.
• Oversees coordination of legal activity performed by outside counsel.
• Monitors compliance and other matters related to the fiduciary responsibilities of the Board and staff.
• Coordinates responsive action to issues relating to PERA benefits (pension, 457, 401(k), health care, etc.).
• Coordinates responsive action to issues stemming from PERA administration (contracting, personnel, general liability, etc.).
• Partners with the investment team to provide strategic legal and compliance leadership for the firm's investment activities and shareholder responsibilities.
• Oversees the organization’s risk and compliance function.
• Oversees the Board Liaison and coordination with the Board’s governance consultant to ensure appropriate Board governance and Board meeting management.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
• Provides oversight and direction to leadership and the Board regarding PERA’s Governance Manual and compliance matters including working with third‑party partners and facilitating the Board of Trustee and CEO annual evaluation processes.
• Assists the CEO in legislative matters.
• Coordinates with the Director of Strategy and the Board’s governance consultant to assist the CEO and Board of Trustees in the long‑range strategic planning process.
• Communicates with organizations within the industry regarding issues/interests in common with PERA.
• Provides leadership and direction to Divisions and staff under the oversight of the General Counsel and is responsible for all management functions including hiring, developing, and creating a high‑performing team.
• Sets and communicates staff performance standards and expectations that are specific and measurable for productivity goals and development; conducts performance reviews and other actions when necessary.
• Engages staff in continuous learning, improvement, and operational performance.
• Ensures that staff have the resources, tools, and training needed to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
• Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among team members.
• Develops and adheres to Division’s annual budget, objectives, and goals.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice in the state of Colorado or the ability to obtain a license within one year of hire.
• A minimum of ten years of professional legal work experience, preferably in areas such as retirement plans, administrative proceedings, litigation, investments, taxes, insurance, contracts and labor law.
• A minimum of five years in a leadership or executive role with responsibility for leading a legal team.
• Management/supervisory experience.
• Experience working closely with a governing board.
• Experience in interpreting current and proposed state and federal laws.
• Experience with regulatory and compliance activities related to public pension plans and institutional investment program.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with executives, staff, external stakeholders, and board members.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel as necessary for business purposes.
• Flexibility and availability to respond to urgent legal matters outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds.
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment.
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Hybrid Work Option

Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA’s Work from Home Policy.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Location and Sponsorship

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

Policies

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

Position Title and Details

Position Title: General Counsel

Division: Legal

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

Job Status: Full‑time, Exempt

Salary: $260,000.00 to $330,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experience

Posting Dates: 07/17/2026 to 08/02/2026