Director, Internal Legal Counsel – Regulatory Compliance

American Consumer Credit Counseling

. Serve as ACCC's primary in-house legal counsel and advise executive leadership and department leaders.

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeNewton • Massachusetts • United StatesLead💰 $170,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing legal counsel on consumer financial services, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance while effectively managing legal risks and advising executive leadership. Proficient in drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting legal research, and implementing compliance policies across multiple jurisdictions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)In-House Counsel ExperienceLegal Research and AnalysisContract Drafting and NegotiationRegulatory Compliance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchContract DraftingRegulatory ComplianceRisk AssessmentLitigation SupportCorporate GovernanceConsumer Financial Protection LawsCompliance MonitoringVendor Due DiligenceMultistate Licensing

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationOrganizational Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Bar MembershipCompliance Certifications (CRCM, CCEP)

Industry Keywords

Consumer Financial ServicesDebt ManagementCredit CounselingNonprofit OrganizationsFinancial ServicesBankingMortgage LendingRegulatory FilingsCompliance Management System (CMS)Third-Party Risk Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as ACCC's primary in-house legal counsel and advise executive leadership and department leaders.
Research, interpret and advise on federal and state laws and regulations affecting consumer financial services, debt management, credit counseling, consumer protection and nonprofit organizations.
Draft, review and negotiate contracts, vendor and service agreements, client agreements, disclosures, partnership agreements and other legal documents.
Advise on corporate governance, nonprofit matters, conflicts of interest, Board activities and organizational policies.
Provide legal guidance on strategic initiatives, operational changes, products and services, technology investments and third-party relationships.
Advise on employment-related legal matters with Human Resources and outside employment counsel.
Support responses to consumer complaints, regulatory inquiries, investigations, threatened claims and litigation.
Coordinate litigation support, document preservation, legal holds, discovery and other legal matters.
Engage and manage outside counsel, including legal strategy, scope, budgets and deliverables.
Identify legal exposure and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
Administer multistate debt management licenses, charitable registrations, business registrations and related regulatory requirements.
Maintain the regulatory inventory and compliance calendar and prepare, coordinate and submit renewals, filings and regulatory reports.
Monitor regulatory developments, assess impact and implement compliance changes.
Conduct compliance monitoring and testing, document findings and manage corrective actions.
Coordinate regulatory examinations, inquiries, information requests and agency responses.
Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, controls, documentation and the Compliance Management System (CMS).
Review regulatory and consumer complaints, identify trends and implement or recommend corrective actions.
Develop and deliver compliance training and employee awareness initiatives.
Perform third-party compliance reviews and vendor due diligence.
Prepare compliance metrics, reports and updates for the CCRO and executive leadership.
Partner with leadership to identify, evaluate and address legal, regulatory and operational risks.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, IT, Operations and other departments to resolve legal and compliance issues.
Support risk assessments, regulatory readiness and business continuity initiatives.
Promote ethical conduct, accountability and organizational integrity.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing and authorization to practice as in-house counsel in Massachusetts, including any required registration or authorization.
Minimum of five years of progressive legal experience in a law firm, corporate legal department or in-house counsel environment.
Demonstrated experience providing legal advice, conducting legal research, drafting and negotiating contracts, and assessing legal and business risks.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and independent professional judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory matters into practical guidance.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and work effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion and sound ethical judgment.
Preferred: Experience in financial services, banking, consumer finance, mortgage lending, credit counseling, debt management or another regulated industry.
Preferred: Prior in-house counsel experience advising executive leadership and business operations.
Preferred: Experience with nonprofit organizations, corporate governance and Board matters.
Preferred: Hands-on experience administering multistate licensing, regulatory filings, compliance monitoring and regulatory examinations.
Preferred: Knowledge of consumer financial protection laws, privacy, data security and third-party risk management.
Preferred: Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets.
Preferred: Compliance certifications such as CRCM, CCEP or similar credentials.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Medical and dependent Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; Life Insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Paid time off and paid holidays
Professional development and training opportunities
Supportive team environment and mission-driven culture