General Counsel (Denver)

Job Title: General Counsel

Location: Penn Center - Denver, CO 80203

Position Type: Full Time

Salary: $260,000.00 – $330,000.00 Annually (commensurate with experience)

Shift: Day

Job Summary

The General Counsel (GC) is part of the Executive Leadership Team and 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 role handles complex and high‑level legal matters in areas such as member benefits, litigation and strategy, health care, fiduciary issues, ethics, investments, contracts, employment law, open meetings, compliance, and governance. The GC serves as a member of the executive leadership team, provides expertise to the PERA policy and decision‑making process, 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 oversees 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

An experienced attorney who thrives in a hands‑on and collaborative environment. Must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, be able to confidently educate and advise the Board, CEO, and others on complex legal and regulatory matters related to public pension management, and commit to upholding the fiduciary duty to Colorado PERA members and beneficiaries. The candidate should quickly gain the confidence and respect of the Board, executive team, leadership, and staff. Experience advising public agencies and an understanding that legal opinions must reflect the administrative realities within which the agency operates are essential. A thorough understanding of fiduciary standards and obligations and experience overseeing legal, compliance, and board governance matters involving public pension funds and institutional investments are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Advises the CEO and PERA’s executive leadership on fiduciary obligations, investments, board governance, health insurance, member benefits, legislation, ethics, compliance, risk, and employment law.
• Provides legal advice to the 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 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 PERA’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 Trustees 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, responsible for 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 the 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.
• Minimum of ten years of professional legal work experience, preferably in retirement plans, administrative proceedings, litigation, investments, taxes, insurance, contracts, and labor law.
• 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 interpreting current and proposed state and federal laws.
• Experience with regulatory and compliance activities related to public pension plans and institutional investment programs.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with executives, staff, external stakeholders, and board members.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and 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.
• 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 depends on factors detailed in PERA’s Work from Home Policy.

Additional Information

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