Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Location: Virginia Retirement System - Main Office

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) the day before the posted End Date.

Please read all information in the Important Notices section.

The Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer assists in providing legal services to the agency and coordinates the administration of outside counsel that is appointed, as needed. In addition, the role ensures the agency is in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and advises upper management of VRS and the VRS Board, in the formulation and evaluation of VRS policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following

• Provide legal services to the agency; coordinate the administration of outside counsel as needed by the agency.
• Supervise the Administrative Appeals team, including personnel management and oversight of workflow.
• Oversee the preparation of agency records for informal fact-finding proceedings pursuant to the Virginia Administrative Process Act ("VAPA").
• Oversee the issuance by VRS of final case decisions subject to judicial review under VAPA.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and analyzing legislation and drafting and finalizing legislative impact statements.
• Serve as a general resource for participating VRS employers and other organizations regarding pension and benefit matters.
• Maintain a number of work queues as required, including approved domestic relations orders (ADROs) and powers of attorney (POAs).
• Contribute to the development, review, and execution of Board policies and actions, including draft Requests for Board Action (RBAs).
• Develop, prepare and deliver presentations, briefing materials, and reports for executive leadership, and other stakeholders on legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to obtain outside legal counsel and ensure budget requirements are met.
• Communicate with outside monitoring counsel, review foreign securities litigation reports, and recommend appropriate action.
• Respond to business unit statutory and research questions.
• Review felony forfeiture cases and send correspondence as needed.
• Conduct legal and policy research and analysis relating to all matters affecting the agency’s operations and interests.
• Review and approve agency contracts, including IT and business procurement contracts.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and participate in special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, with no disciplinary sanctions
• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Four years’ experience as a practicing attorney, or providing legal advice
• Two years’ experience in providing legal advice to a state or local governmental agency
• Two years leadership experience
• Knowledge of, and experience with the Administrative Process Act
• Knowledge of the Code of Virginia and the fundamentals of pension plans and related benefits
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite and in using general computer software

Additional Considerations

Knowledge of VRS-administered plans/benefit structures, programs, and services

Experience in policy, contracts, and other legal issues unique to government agencies

Special Instructions

• *VRS is unable to provide sponsorship, for this position*
• This position follows the hybrid work model, currently requiring three days on-site and two days remote; the selected candidate must be able to work in the office any day of the week, as required by the manager.
• See "Additional Information" tab within jobs.virginia.gov, to review close date.

Hiring Range

$160,874-$175,000