Chicago, United States is hiring: Corporate Secretary in Chicago

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889. Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

The Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary will serve as a senior legal advisor and governance leader, responsible for overseeing corporate secretarial functions, supporting the Board of Directors, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance standards. This role is critical in maintaining the integrity of the company's legal and governance framework, particularly within a complex, regulated financial services environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board and its committees.
• Manage Board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, materials preparation, and minute-taking.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, including SEC, NYSE/NASDAQ, and applicable financial regulations.
• Maintain corporate records, charters, bylaws, and governance policies.
• Lead director onboarding, training, and annual Board evaluations.
• Provide legal advice to senior management on corporate, securities, and regulatory matters.
• Support capital markets and other strategic transactions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on legal risk management and compliance initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor legal and governance professionals.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a deputy to the General Counsel, stepping in as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing.
• 10+ years of legal experience, with significant exposure to public company governance and financial services regulation.
• Deep knowledge of securities law, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and C‑suite executives.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in a publicly traded financial institution.
• Familiarity with Diligent, Workiva, or similar governance platforms.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, solutions‑oriented mindset.
• High ethical standards and sound judgment.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $275,000 - 350,000 USD. The Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well‑being benefits.

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve. Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.