The Legal and Compliance Affairs Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Rural Health Redesign Center complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, as well as internal policies and procedures. This position is ideal for someone with a paralegal background who possesses strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical practices. The individual will support the legal and compliance functions of the organization by reviewing contracts, conducting research, managing documentation, and assisting in compliance audits.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field; paralegal certification or equivalent experience preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a paralegal, contract management, or compliance role, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit regulations, including IRS regulations, state charitable solicitation laws, and employment law required.
- Proven experience in contract review and administration, including drafting, analyzing, and negotiating terms to ensure alignment with organizational policies and risk mitigation standards required
- Familiarity with key aspects of contract law, including indemnity, termination clauses, and regulatory compliance required.
- Experience working with regulatory compliance, policy development, and document control in the nonprofit fields.
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Team and service oriented.
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Must be available full-time and have reliable internet.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Contract and Legal Support
- Draft, review contracts, grants, MOUs, and other agreements to protect the organization’s interests and ensure compliance. Help manage the documentation of legal matters and assist in the resolution of disputes.
- Ensure all contracts and agreements are reviewed for compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Assist in developing and implementing policies.
- Conduct legal research and provide risk assessments for existing and potential new initiatives, partnerships, and programs employee conduct, and other critical areas.
2. Compliance Management
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofit organizations.
- Monitor changes in relevant legislation and regulations and assist in updating organizational policies as needed.
- Conduct internal audits, investigations, and assessments to ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversee the organization’s compliance with data protection laws, including HIPAA, if applicable, ensuring data privacy and security standards for sensitive health information.
3. Risk Assessment
- Assist in identifying potential legal and compliance risks and supporting the development of strategies to mitigate them.
- Participate in the development of risk management strategies and training programs for staff and volunteers.
4. Training and Education:
- Help create and deliver training sessions for staff and volunteers on compliance-related matters, including ethical practices and reporting procedures.
- Develop educational materials to promote understanding of legal and compliance issues within the organization.
5. Reporting and Documentation:
- Maintain accurate records of compliance activities, legal matters, and risk assessments.
- Assist in preparing reports for the senior leadership team and relevant stakeholders regarding compliance issues and initiatives.
6. Collaboration:
- Collaborate with various departments to ensure compliance is integrated into all organizational processes.
- Liaise with external legal counsel and regulatory agencies as necessary.
- Attends standing meetings with RHRC team and relevant stakeholders.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
