Chief Legal Officer

Chief Legal Officer

About The Arc of Bristol County
The Arc of Bristol County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With a growing portfolio of services—including guardianship, trust management, and community-based supports—The Arc is committed to ensuring dignity, independence, and opportunity for every person we serve.

Position Summary
The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) will serve as the organization’s senior legal executive, providing strategic oversight and counsel for all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. This role is responsible for ensuring the sound governance of The Arc’s trust and guardianship programs, while safeguarding the organization’s legal interests across its operations. The CLO will act as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO, the Board of Directors, and senior leadership, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and strengthening the organization’s risk management framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal oversight of The Arc’s trust and guardianship services, including fiduciary responsibilities, compliance with state and federal regulations, and alignment with Social Security Administration requirements.
• Advise the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on legal and governance matters impacting nonprofit operations, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state, federal, and nonprofit laws, including guardianship statutes, trust administration regulations, healthcare compliance standards, and nonprofit governance best practices.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, memoranda of understanding, and partnership agreements.
• Develop and monitor organizational policies related to legal, risk management, ethics, and compliance.
• Oversee outside counsel relationships and manage litigation as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to staff regarding legal obligations, guardianship responsibilities, and fiduciary duties.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational development by ensuring that legal considerations support mission-driven growth.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and license to practice law in Massachusetts and/or Rhode Island required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, including demonstrated expertise in trust and estate law, guardianship, nonprofit governance, or healthcare law.
• Experience advising or working within nonprofit or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fiduciary obligations, guardianship regulations, and trust administration.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and ability to balance risk with organizational opportunity.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including families, regulators, and board members.

Why Join The Arc?
At The Arc of Bristol County, you will join a mission-driven team that is transforming the way individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are supported. The CLO role offers the opportunity to shape innovative guardianship and trust services, strengthen governance practices, and ensure that The Arc continues to serve as a trusted advocate and fiduciary partner for thousands of individuals and families across the region.

Full Time 8:00am-5:00pm Monday thru Friday Range $95k-$120k

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person