Chief Legal and Risk Officer

Why This Role Matters

The Chief Legal & Risk Officer (CLRO) plays a critical role in protecting UKFCU’s reputation, stability, and long-term growth. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CLRO provides strategic legal counsel, champions regulatory compliance and drives enterprise risk initiatives. This position ensures that our organization not only meets legal and regulatory obligations but also fosters a culture of integrity, risk awareness, and member-focused resolution strategies. The CLRO is a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, helping to align legal, compliance, and risk frameworks with UKFCU’s mission and vision.

What You’ll Do

Legal & Governance

• Serve as the chief legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership.
• Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure efficient and cost-effective legal services.
• Provide legal guidance on a broad range of issues, including contracts, lending, employment, governance, and litigation.
• Support Board governance by advising on policy, regulatory reporting, and best practices.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Lead the development and execution of UKFCU’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program.
• Establish and maintain internal control systems, risk identification tools, and mitigation strategies.
• Partner with business units to integrate risk management into daily operations and decision-making.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident response planning, and scenario testing.

Regulatory Compliance

• Direct the compliance department and ensure adherence to federal and state credit union regulations, including NCUA, BSA/AML, and consumer protection laws.
• Proactively monitor regulatory developments and drive readiness for upcoming changes.
• Act as liaison with regulators during exams, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Ensure robust compliance training and awareness programs are in place for all employees.

Vendor & Third-Party Risk

• Oversee legal and risk evaluation of vendor contracts and third-party relationships.
• Ensure appropriate due diligence, risk controls, and monitoring for all critical service providers.

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on legal, risk, and governance matters.
• Represent UKFCU in key legal, industry, and regulatory forums.
• Champion a culture of ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency.

Who You Are

Experience & Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the state of Kentucky or eligible for in-house counsel registration.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in legal and/or risk leadership, preferably in a regulated financial institution.
• Board-level advisory experience strongly preferred.
• Mergers and Acquisitions experience preferred.

Skills & Strengths

• Experience leading enterprise risk, legal, and compliance functions.
• Strong judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Deep knowledge of credit union laws and compliance frameworks.

Key Traits

• Sees the big picture and anticipates legal, regulatory, and risk-related shifts.
• Aligns legal/risk strategies with organizational goals and long-term growth plans.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary and industry-leading benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A chance to make a lasting impact on our members and the organization’s future.

Legalese

Equal Opportunity Employer
UKFCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

At-Will Employment
Employment with UKFCU is deemed “at-will,” which means that either you or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise provided by law.

Physical and Cognitive Demands
This role requires a blend of physical activity and mental focus to effectively perform its essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Key physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds). You’ll also use your hands for various tasks, reach with your arms, and engage in conversations. Vision requirements include the ability to focus, perceive depth, and distinguish colors. Cognitive abilities essential for this role include judgment, auditory perception, memory, reasoning, and occasional persuasion.

Work Environment
You’ll primarily work indoors in a comfortable, climate-controlled office setting. The noise level is typically moderate, ensuring a focused yet dynamic work environment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed to support an inclusive workplace.

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and expectations for this role. It is not a comprehensive list of tasks, and employees may be asked to take on additional duties to support team success.