Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer – Role Overview

The Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer provides strategic legal leadership, risk oversight and governance support, serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership and Boards of Directors for Concordia Plan Services and its subsidiaries.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide executive oversight of companywide legal risk, governance integrity, and regulatory exposure across all CPS entities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on organizational strategy and priorities and proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks.
• Lead and guide the organization and legal team on legal issues related to employee benefit plans and other programs maintained by the organization.
• Serve as the corporate secretary and principal governance advisor, including to Boards of Directors and committees.
• Represent CPS externally as a thought leader in church benefits organizations, engaging in advocacy, education and collaboration on emerging legal and regulatory issues.
• Manage relationships with outside legal counsel and oversee any litigation or dispute resolution matters.
• Oversee or conduct training and communications on legal topics, including for Boards of Directors and staff.
• Provide expertise across complex to high-impact legal matters and projects, but not limited to health and welfare plans, retirement plans, and a variety of tax, corporate, employment issues.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing legal and compliance team, fostering professional growth, accountability, and alignment with organizational values.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school in the United States.
• Active license to practice law and in good standing with Missouri state bar.
• Minimum of 10 years legal firm or corporate practice in employee benefits, preferably church benefit plans, and familiar with nonprofit structure.
• Experience in a combined practice of employee benefits and another relevant area such as tax, corporate transactions or health care is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience advising Board of Directors and senior executives in complex, highly regulated organizations.
• Member of LCMS preferred.

Competencies

• Build Strong Teams: Builds a culture aligned around shared goals and purpose. Intentionally coach and develop others, nurture networks, and attract strong talent.
• Model Resilience: Leads with optimism and composure, setting the tone for others. Is self-aware, humble, and open to alternatives when challenged.
• Outcomes-oriented: Brings a bias for action and achieves meaningful, timely, and measurable results. Lives continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrates sound judgment, discernment, and church/business acumen. Encourages new thinking and makes future-focused decisions.
• Influence Others: Is a positive influence across and outside the organization. Paints a compelling picture and gains commitment for forward momentum.
• Collaboration: Builds authentic relationships and harnesses the energy of others. Adapts interpersonal style and models productive dialogue and debate.