General Counsel

​General Counsel 

Join our team and begin writing your next success story with us. If you’re looking for a place where culture and leadership matter, look no further. Whether you work here, bank here, or are just getting to know us — this is what it feels like to be part of Jovia.

We are Jovia Financial Credit Union. Our name evokes joy, a feeling of optimism, trust, and “banking on the bright side”. We are a new kind of credit union, one that combines service and value with the convenience that today’s technologies allow. At Jovia, we have provided brighter banking for over 85 years, driven by values like innovation, convenience, and community. As a not-for-profit organization, we focus on what’s best for our members, not profits - Come see for yourself! 

Awarded as one of the best places to work, Jovia has more than $4 billion in assets, 240,000 members, and 500+ employees, we attract the best and the brightest talent-- who do the right thing and present a can-do spirit in a culture of fun, fulfilment, advancement, and development. Find your joy here, every day. 

Our employees are passionate about our mission, growing through professional development and making a real difference through community involvement and service. We offer a diverse, inclusive work environment with flexible opportunities and competitive benefits. Join us in shaping the future of banking by joining our team. 

We give you Benefits that Go Beyond Your Paycheck: 

• Competitive compensation with paid training
• Engaged Managers who value your input, are transparent, and provide coaching for your success
• Professional Development with growth opportunities and a supportive learning environment
• A friendly, inviting work culture filled with social activities that inspire creativity and collaboration
• Retirement Benefits, featuring a 401(k) with a generous match plus a defined pension plan
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Employee Activity Groups that foster a sense of belonging and teamwork
• Tuition Reimbursement and School Loan Repayment plans for Full-Time employees
• Gym Reimbursement and Employee Wellness time off to support your health and wellness
• Flexible PTO options that include vacation payout and sick time incentive payouts
• Discounts on Employee Loans to help you create financial success
• Supplemental Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Legal plan, and AFLAC plans
• A CEO with brilliant vision and aspiration

Want to know why we’re so happy? Click here to learn and meet our CEO!

Find out what life at Jovia is like ... https://www.jovia.org/life-at-jovia 

The General Counsel is the organization’s legal counsel, providing strategic legal guidance to executive management and the Board of Directors. This role oversees legal, litigation, and corporate governance matters affecting the organization. The General Counsel partners with senior leadership to support business initiatives while maintaining compliance with federal and state banking regulations, including applicable NCUA, FDIC, CFPB, CYDFS, and consumer protection requirements. 

What you will be doing:

• Advise executive leadership and the Board on legal and regulatory matters affecting the credit union and banking operations.
• Interpret and monitor federal and state laws, regulations, and industry guidance.
• Coordinate with the Board legal counsel to deliver monthly updates to the Directors.
• Prepare and review board resolutions, corporate documents, and governance policies.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements and bylaws.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and approve vendor agreements, technology contracts, loan participation agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, branch transactions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support enterprise risk management initiatives.
• Oversee all litigation, subpoenas, investigations, and claims.
• Coordinate legal strategy with outside counsel when necessary.
• Participate as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Assist with long-term strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Oversee all legal expenditures to optimize the legal spend across the organization.
• Oversee the Legal department, including team leadership, employee relations, and management of direct reports.

What we need from you:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the New York State Bar Association.
• 10+ years of legal experience including but not limited to significant experience within the banking, credit union, financial services, or regulated financial institution sector.
• Experience advising executive leadership and boards of directors.
• Familiarity with federal and New York banking regulations.
• Prior General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or senior financial services attorney experience.
• Experience with NCUA, FDIC, NYDFS, CFPB, BSA/AML, consumer lending, and commercial lending matters.

Work From Home Requirements: (This position can support hybrid and/or fully remote work access)

• Internet speed of 100mbps or higher required (you can test this by going to www.speedtest.net)
• Able to dedicate a quiet space for daily work that is free of sound interruptions.
• All equipment will be provided by Jovia (Computer, Monitor, Headset)

Be part of a growing not-for-profit organization where People are Everything—You are important to us. Help our members meet their financial goals and achieve their dreams. Let’s talk! 
 
At Jovia, we celebrate innovation, diversity, teamwork, excellence, and integrity. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to recruit, retain, and reward top talent. We would like to be your partner in success and happiness! 

We provide a competitive salary that aligns with qualifications and experience. Compensation may differ based on factors including experience, skill set, and current performance (if applicable). While candidates who do not fulfill the minimum requirements may be considered, this may require a position level, salary, or salary grade adjustment to reflect current experience. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)