Legal Compliance Director

At UND Alumni Association & Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference through impactful fundraising initiatives. We are seeking a Legal Compliance Director to provide leadership in creating and interpreting policy on financial and compliance matters. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to drive meaningful change at UND. We are seeking a talented and motivated person to ensure our organization activities are legally compliant and advises on existing and evolving laws and regulations. This position will provide technical expertise for complex gift vehicles and provide support in planned giving administration, donor gifts and agreements, donor compliance, fund auditing, and contract review and creation.

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Position Summary

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The Legal Compliance Director supports the mission of the Foundation through oversight and development of procedures for gift acceptance, planned giving administration, donor gifts and agreements, donor compliance, fund auditing and utilization and contract review and creation.

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Provide highly technical expertise for complex gift vehicles including split interest agreements, real estate, and closely held business interests. Educate and address donor intent compliance through establishing sustainable processes and active partnerships.

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The Legal Compliance Director meets established timelines through the execution of sound judgment and timely decision making. Exercises judgment and initiative in creating and interpreting policy and guidelines on financial and compliance matters. Has in-depth understanding of complex gifts, institutional financial policies and procedures and makes appropriate decisions based on this knowledge. Must be able to work under the pressure of time and frequent requests from multiple sources each having their own timelines and constraints. Ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks, determine priorities, with attention to detail. Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically in group settings, presentations, and written correspondence.

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Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Development, and Management to help ensure the organization is meeting its fiduciary responsibilities to donors and the University. This position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and process management.

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Essential Functions

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LEGAL MANAGEMENT

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• Work in partnership with outside Council when appropriate to represent the Foundation, CEO, and Board of Directors on all legally related matters. Manage Foundation responses to litigation, legal investigations, and other legal proceedings.
• Advise the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior administrators on all matters pertaining to applicable litigation, laws, regulations, and other duties under the law.
• Help support the board of directors and the board’s working committees in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and responsibilities 
• Maintain expertise and provide legal guidance, updates, reviews, and recommendations to the CEO and Management on existing and evolving laws (including statutes and regulations) and legal trends involving all aspects of Foundation related organization operations, charitable gift laws and non-profit governance. 
• Draft and review contracts, develop contract templates, and review and maintain tracking system to ensure timely renewal or discontinuation of contracts.
• Recommend and assist with policy development and review.
• Coordinate with the University concerning requests it may receive regarding Foundation records as part of the Freedom of Information Act
• Manage all state and federal compliance reporting and governance requirements for the board. Ensure the board and its committees follow proper governance procedures in accordance with the bylaws, and other legal requirements.

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GIFT ACCEPTANCE

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• Facilitate and ensure the legal acceptance and administration of various types of gifts, ranging from grants to trust and estate gifts to real property and mineral interest gifts. includes review of real estate documents and transactions
• Oversee implementation and oversight of charitable registrations in all applicable states.

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PLANNED GIFTS

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• Coordinate with executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries to ensure proper distribution of assets.
• Draft Trust and Charitable Gift Annuity agreements
• Work closely with development staff, donors, professional advisors and finance to ensure compliance with legal requirements in planned giving arrangements.

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DONOR COMPLIANCE & FUND AUDITING/UTILIZATION

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• Provide interpretations of donor intent as matters arise reviewing the language for accuracy and the ability to manage as well as mitigate fiduciary risk.
• Oversee, develop, and manage an internal audit process for donor compliance.
• Work directly with colleagues at the Foundation and the University to analyze processes and ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor intent outlined in fund governing documents.
• Proactively identify and research potential fund use issues. Actively partner with Foundation and University staff to resolve specific issues or concerns about donor funds, on behalf of donors and the University.

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Other

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• Other projects or duties as assigned.

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Education And Experience Requirements

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Education: Juris Doctorate required. Equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.

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Experience: 4+ years’ experience related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in legal, accounting, auditing, compliance, or a related field. Experience working in a higher education or non-profit setting preferred along with knowledge of tax-exempt organization law and contract law

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Physical & Cognitive Requirements

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Ability to operate computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Ability to focus and complete work in a timely manner. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Ability to travel independently via car and air. Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, squat, and lift or move objects up to 10 pounds.

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COMPETENCIES

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• Ability to manage multiple time sensitive projects and tasks
• Ability to identify, retrieve, analyze and synthesize complex data from diverse sources
• Ability to think strategically
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, co-workers and constituents
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively through various mediums to all levels
• Ability to stay on task within the context of the big picture goal
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Strong attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
• Strong collaborative and organizational skills
• Provide excellent customer service

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The UND Alumni Association & Foundation supports employees through a highly competitive total compensation package that includes competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, along with career growth opportunities, and supports work-life blend for our employees.

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Benefits at UNDAAF includes health insurance with employer contributions towards premium, retirement plan with generous employer contributions, employer paid life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, generous paid time off policy, EAP, UND tuition waiver, summer hours. Other elective benefits available: flexible benefits plans, dental, vision, STD, cancer care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, voluntary life insurance for spouse and dependents

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The UND Alumni Association & Foundation recognizes that work-life blend is an important component of a larger picture of life responsibilities, obligations, goals and interests. We will make every effort in creating a work-life blend model that reflects life situations while also ensuring maximum productivity.