Chief Legal Officer

At Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), we believe that God is the source of all good gifts. We are stewards of those gifts to boldly love others for the sake of Christ. When you join our team, you'll experience the benefits of working for an established financial institution while supporting LCMS ministries nationwide. Our mission At LCEF, our mission is to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. All career opportunities at LCEF contribute to our overarching goal as a mission-aligned organization. Our core values BE faithful PURSUE excellence and innovation INSPIRE belief through partnerships ENDURE balancing resources and risk LEARN continually Why explore job opportunities at LCEF? Our team is united in our mission to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries. We work together in a faith-filled, mission-driven environment where every role contributes to our greater purpose. We understand the importance of work-life balance. LCEF offers flexible and hybrid work options to support your personal and professional life. Generous time off Our employees enjoy multiple opportunities to take time off, including vacation days, personal leave, paid holidays and dedicated time off between Christmas and New Year's Day. Best-in-class job benefits Our employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health insurance with 100% of premiums covered by LCEF, retirement benefits (pension and 403(b) employer match), paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and so much more. We offer a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive pay, rewards and recognition and participation in our Employee Incentive Program, which may provide additional financial rewards based on organizational performance and annual achievements. Top Workplaces award winner Named one of the Top Workplaces by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2025, 2023, 2021, 2018 and 2017, LCEF creates an environment where employees not only thrive but also understand the value they bring to our mission. We prioritize the well-being of our employees in every dimension of wellness, offering resources for spiritual growth, physical health and social connection through Chapel services, Bible studies, financial and mental health programs, community service and fellowship opportunities. Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is a trusted financial institution dedicated to starting, sustaining and strengthening Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries. Since 1978, LCEF has provided financial resources, strategic guidance and innovative solutions to help congregations, schools, organizations and church workers achieve their goals. When you join our team, you're not just building a career you're using your talents and applying your professional expertise to serve a higher purpose in a values-driven organization. Why This Role Matters This is more than a legal position. As LCEF's principal legal advisor, you will partner closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to navigate complex legal matters, support strategic initiatives, and ensure sound governance across the organization. Your counsel will help guide decisions that impact our ministry, our investors, our borrowers, and the communities we serve. If you are an experienced attorney who enjoys solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, and using your expertise to support a Christ-centered mission, we invite you to consider this unique leadership opportunity. What You’ll Do As Chief Legal Officer, you will: Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Provide strategic legal guidance that supports organizational goals, protects LCEF's interests, and advances our mission. Lead corporate governance activities and support Board and committee processes. Oversee legal matters across the organization, including contracts, real estate transactions, lending activities, securities disclosures, employment matters, and corporate initiatives. Manage relationships with outside counsel and coordinate legal services related to litigation, disputes, and specialized legal matters. Consult with internal business leaders to identify practical solutions to complex legal and operational challenges. Review and negotiate a wide variety of agreements and transactions that support LCEF's ministry and business operations. Monitor legal and regulatory developments and advise leadership regarding potential impacts to the organization. Collaborate across departments to provide legal guidance that enables sound decision-making and effective risk management. Support strategic projects and organizational initiatives as LCEF continues to grow and serve God's people. What You’ll Need Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Active Missouri law license and membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar. At least 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience. Significant experience in contracts and real estate; and mortgage lending, banking or creditor’s rights. Additional preferred practice areas include corporate governance, nonprofit organizations, and state securities issuance. Experience advising senior executives, boards, and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide practical, business-oriented counsel. Strong negotiation, communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent judgment and discretion. A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to serving others. Experience in nonprofit organizations, securities issuance, financial services, faith-based organizations, or regulated industries is a plus. What We Offer Wellness resources for spiritual growth, physical health and social connection. Comprehensive compensation package, including the opportunity to participate in our Employee Incentive Program. Generous time off, including dedicated time off between Christmas and New Year's Day. Health insurance with 100% of premiums covered by LCEF, retirement benefits (pension and 403(b) employer match), paid parental leave, and so much more. Get to know a little more about LCEF and how we partner with LCMS ministries. #J-18808-Ljbffr