Chief Legal Officer

Position Summary The Chief Legal Officer (CLO), who also serves as the organization’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), is a key member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership across legal, compliance, risk, and labor relations functions. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal affairs, developing and enforcing a comprehensive compliance and risk management program, and supporting employee-related compliance and labor relations in close collaboration with Human Resources (HR) Leadership. The CLO ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations; mitigates organizational risk; and promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. Additionally, the CLO provides legal counsel on governance, operations, strategic partnerships, and employment-related matters, advancing organizational sustainability through proactive legal counsel, compliance oversight, and risk mitigation. Reportability This position will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Compliance Manager Functional oversight of labor relations and employee investigations, in close partnership with HR Leadership Essential Duties and Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Legal & Compliance (50%): Design, implement, and oversee the organization’s enterprise-wide compliance framework, including internal controls, audit readiness, and continuous monitoring systems. Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, regulatory, and operational risks through proactive risk management strategies. Lead the organization’s response to regulatory investigations, inspections, and compliance audits, ensuring timely and accurate resolution. Advise on the legal and compliance implications of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and new business ventures. Oversee compliance with federal and state privacy laws, cybersecurity requirements, and data protection regulations, including incident response planning. Serve as chief legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team on all matters related to compliance, contracts, labor law, and governance. Review, negotiate, and approve contracts, MOUs, vendor agreements, and government grants in accordance with legal and organizational standards. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to FQHC operations, including HIPAA, HRSA, CMS, DC Health, and Maryland regulations. Oversee incident investigations, manage litigation, audit responses, subpoenas, and employment disputes in collaboration with external counsel as needed. Support governance best practices, including board bylaws, conflicts of interest, and corporate compliance standards. Provide strategic oversight to Legal, HR, and Compliance teams, delegating operational duties while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities Organizational Risk & Ethics (30%): Lead the development and enforcement of the organization’s risk management plan, ensuring alignment with strategic, operational, and compliance priorities. Oversee the ethics and compliance hotline, ensuring all reports are investigated thoroughly, documented appropriately, and resolved in a timely, legally sound manner. Deliver quarterly risk assessments to the CEO and Board, outlining key risk exposures and recommended mitigation strategies. Chair or co-chair risk, ethics, or compliance committees as needed. Ensure compliance with FTCA requirements and oversee deeming applications. Support compliance with Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting and maintain audit readiness across relevant departments. Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on reputational risk, conflict resolution, and whistleblower protections. Collaborate with operational, clinical, financial, and HR leaders to develop and execute enterprise-wide risk mitigation strategies. Human Resources & Labor Relations (20%) Provide legal and compliance guidance on HR policies and practices, ensuring alignment with labor laws, equity goals, and organizational mission. Integrate compliance and risk considerations into all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary processes. Oversee internal investigations related to employee misconduct, workplace disputes, and policy violations, ensuring objective documentation and timely resolution in accordance with employment law. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, FMLA, ADA, and EEO requirements. Support and guide the People Department in developing fair and consistent employee relations strategies that balance organizational needs with employee engagement and well-being. Lead or support collective bargaining efforts, including contract negotiations, grievance processes, and disciplinary actions, in collaboration with HR leadership and external counsel. Contribute to strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and the development of a culture that reflects accountability, inclusion, and transparency. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Qualifications The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions . Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Extensive legal and compliance experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or public-sector environments Deep knowledge of labor and employment law, including experience navigating unionized environments and collective bargaining agreements Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO, wage and hour laws) Demonstrated ability to partner with HR and executive leadership to develop and align workforce policies with legal requirements and equity goals Experience advising on emerging employment law trends and their impact on organizational risk and strategy Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive legal and personnel matters with integrity Language Requirement –

Ability to communicate effectively in English is required. Additional language (Spanish) proficiency or fluency preferred. Physical Demands – Regularly required to sit; frequently required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Work Environment – Mostly in a typical office or clinic setting with quiet to moderate noise level. May be exposed to extreme cold, heat, and humidity due to outside weather conditions. Opportunity to work a hybrid schedule – remotely & onsite, as needed. The Benefits: Health Insurance: medical, dental & vision – plus retirement options through 403(b) contribution and investment opportunities 25 days of paid leave annually (in addition to paid holidays), plus 5 educational days Tuition reimbursement of $2000/year towards education assistance and professional development Transportation subsidy via metro & bus Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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