THE OPPORTUNITY
ACOG, the premier professional membership organization for obstetrician–gynecologists, seeks a Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to serve as the principal legal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors while leading ACOG’s government relations, policy advocacy, and coalition-building efforts at the federal and state levels. This executive role integrates legal risk management with strategic public policy leadership to advance women’s health, reproductive rights, and the professional interests of obstetrician–gynecologists.
As head of the Legal Department, the CLO is responsible for protecting the organization’s legal interests. The CLO must be able to identify existing and emerging risks that arise in the operation of a complex medical association and advise business leaders on effectively mitigating those risks. The CLO ensures that organizational practices, policies, and dealings meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to IRS rules and regulations, antitrust laws, state and federal lobbying laws, and political compliance requirements that apply to separate but related non-profit organizations. They provide advice on employment law, commercial contracts, intellectual property/licensing, data and privacy laws, HIPPA and manage all litigation involving the organization.
The CLO also oversees the Government Affairs and Health, Payment Policy, and the Ob-Gyn PAC. They direct ACOG’s highly regarded amicus and impact litigation practice. The CLO ensures that ACOG’s government wide advocacy efforts are aligned for maximum impact and influence and further the interests of ACOG members and the practice of obstetrics and gynecology.
The CLO advises the Board of Directors on governance matters, acts as a liaison with the Board Governance, Bylaws, Grievance and Appeals Committees, and keeps the Board informed of all major risks facing the organization.
The CLO leads a team of 24 and oversees a budget of $10M. Direct Reports include: Deputy General Counsel; VP, Government Affairs; Executive Assistant. The structure of the team is currently being evaluated and may change to better meet the needs of the organization.
ELIGIBILITY
The successful candidate will bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to ACOG. This leader must have a bias for action with the capacity and energy to move seamlessly between strategic counsel and day-to-day problem solving. A demonstrated history of agility and resilience is required to operate efficiently in a non-profit/association environment operating in a dynamic and ever-changing external environment. Additionally, the Chief Legal Officer will:
- Be well poised to serve as a trusted advisor and confidant to the CEO as a solutions-oriented, strategic thinker with extensive legal expertise and discretion.
- Bring a problem-solving mindset, passionate work ethic, hands-on approach.
- Possess an ability to serve as a senior executive of ACOG in partnership with the other members of the Executive Leadership Team, always remaining focused on what is best for ACOG.
- Demonstrate comfort in giving honest feedback and advice to leaders at all levels of the organization.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree.
- Be licensed to practice law in Washington, DC; Maryland; and/or Virginia (or from a state with bar reciprocity).
- Demonstrated history of a high degree of professional ethics and integrity and meets all professional and ethical standards by the American Bar Association.
- Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant legal/ litigation/ advocacy experience with a minimum of 5 years senior legal and government affairs experience an association, healthcare system, law firm, other related healthcare and/or non-profit organization or corporate entity.
- Deep experience in non-profit law, healthcare regulations, and health policy is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in assessing, managing, and mitigating organizational risk is critical.
- Exhibit evidence of sound judgement in developing and implementing strategic solutions.
- Exhibit strong leadership skills that enable the development and management of a high-performing team.
- Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel is helpful.
- A true team player and a collaborative colleague.
COMPENSATION
The starting point will be $350,000, plus comprehensive benefits package and equitable compensation for an executive team member. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be determined based on various factors, including but not limited to level of experience, education, accomplishments, internal equity, budget, and other factors.
TO APPLY
For applications or to suggest candidate nominations, please contact the DSG Global Team by reaching out to Alison Lebonitte at [email protected]. For applications, please include your current CV and a letter of introduction. You may also apply directly through our DSG Talent Profile: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/23229.
ACOG is an EEO employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. As a federal government contractor and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, the College takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees covered are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (gender), age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable law. For more information about your equal employment opportunity rights, please view the "EEO is the Law" poster. The College also participates in E-Verify.