General Counsel

This position may be located in Billings MT; Boise, ID; Bend, OR; Denver, CO; Omaha, NE or Sioux Falls, SD.

About the Role

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for the bank, providing strategic legal guidance on all legal-related matters. This executive-level role ensures the institution operates in full compliance with federal and state banking laws while supporting safe, sound, and ethical banking practices. The General Counsel is a key advisor to executive management, the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors and board committees. Additionally, this position serves as Corporate Secretary to the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary legal advisor on all federal, state, and local legal issues facing the Company and/or its affiliates and subsidiaries.
• Serves as the Corporate Secretary to both the Holding company and Bank Boards of Directors.
• Advises the Company, directors, and senior leaders on governance best practices.
• Oversees all legal advice to the Holding Company and Bank.
• Manages Company-wide litigation consistent with the Company’s risk appetite.
• Manages all outside counsel relationships.
• Monitors legal costs to maintain control of spending while achieving positive outcomes.
• Develops proactive initiatives to enhance Company legal and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees the Company’s government relations function.
• Oversees preparation of board books, resolutions, and minutes.
• Monitors and interprets changes in applicable federal, state, and local law.
• Oversees internal investigations involving legal and/or ethical matters.
• Partners with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit to maintain a strong compliance framework.
• Partners with Risk in responding to regulatory exams, findings, and enforcement actions.
• Serves as the Company’s Insider Trading Officer and Ethics Officer.
• Reinforces a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and accountability.

Management Responsibilities

• Leads a team of dedicated legal professionals.
• Performs personnel actions including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and interviewing candidates for employment.

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school required.
• 10+ years prior in-house or law firm legal practice experience advising financial institutions required.
• 10+ years experience advising financial institutions on federal and state regulatory matters preferred.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction upon hire required.
• Active license to practice law in state where individual’s office will be located within 180 days required.

Skills

• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice at a senior level.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Specialized knowledge of laws impacting the banking industry.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and high-risk issues.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder-management skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse - Frequently
• Sitting - Frequently
• Standing - Occasionally
• Noise Level - Moderate
• Typical Work Hours - M-F (8-5)
• Regular and Predictable Attendance - Required
• Travel - as needed

Pay

The anticipated pay range for this position is $330,000.00 to $550,000.00 per year (in CO) and depends on a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, education, and geographic location. Additionally, this role is eligible to receive annual discretionary cash and stock bonuses.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) with a 6% match.
• Paid Time Off (new hires accrue at .069 per hours worked which equates to approximately 18 days per year inclusive of paid sick time).
• Up to 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Student debt employer repayment program.