Do you operate independently at a senior executive level and like to “roll up your sleeves” on critical business issues? Do you have practical leadership skills and proven experience in setting strategy, negotiating partnerships/joint ventures, defining commercial contracts/deals, while appropriately addressing regulatory considerations and other business risks? If so, our Vice President & Chief Legal Officer (CLO) role may be for you!

The VP & CLO role will initially report directly to the Sr. Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and will work closely with our leadership team in achieving the business goals and strategic initiatives of the company and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations (federal and state). This role owns broad legal responsibilities across our organization and acts as the most senior legal counsel to our executives, leadership staff and the Board of Directors, including its Governance & Nominating Committee (GNC) and Investment & Audit Committee (IAC). We expect the role to be engaged in developing the company strategy, establishing strong corporate governance, and facilitating and negotiating larger transactions and new contractual models/agreements/partnerships. Responsibilities will include support for our new technology services business, our dental and health benefits business, and various other endeavors, including the corporate venture fund operation, as well as other potential partnerships and investments.

The CLO must be a pragmatic and creative problem-solver, able to appropriately balance business opportunity with potential legal/regulatory risks and advise on structuring of transactions and partnerships to minimize risk without stifling innovation. The CLO will also need to have expertise in defining optimal structural, tax and regulatory strategies and identifying and working through potential roadblocks. The CLO will be a frequent collaborator with the CEO, the CAO, Senior Counsel & Compliance/Privacy Officer (SCCO), and Regulatory Attorney (RA) to address legal, regulatory and compliance matters, as well as prepare/review contracts and other legal documents and correspondence. A CLO with the right skills and experience could be a strong candidate to be the CAO’s successor within 1-2 years.

At Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA) and Washington Dental Service (WDS) our vision is that all people can enjoy good oral and overall health, with no one left behind. We succeed because of a shared commitment to a set of values that guide everything we do – for our customers, for our communities, and for each other. We are Accountable. We lean in with Courage. We stay Curious. We are Inclusive. We act with Integrity.

The CLO role will be a Seattle office-based position (partial remote work permitted) with a pay range of $350k - $400k. That pay range and title will be varied, based upon a particular candidate’s experience and skills and other demonstrated job-related capabilities. The position will be eligible for an annual bonus opportunity of up to 80% of base salary based on individual and company performance, and eligible for participation in the executive long-term incentive program. We offer robust/highly competitive medical, dental and vision plans, an 8% max 401k match, and sponsor a 457b executive deferred compensation plan. You would start accruing vacation (5 weeks) and sick time on your start date. We empower employee development through our tuition reimbursement plan, professional development plans and coaching, and employee-led communities.

Essential Responsibilities include the following: The list of responsibilities listed is not intended to be comprehensive. Washington Dental Service/Delta Dental of Washington reserve the right to change the responsibilities at any time with or without notice.

• Collaborate with CAO, CEO, CFO, business unit leaders and other senior leadership on various legal and business issues, including joint ventures, investments, acquisitions, and other transactions.
• Operate independently on critical business and legal matters under broad general supervision of the CAO, with regular access to the CEO and Board.
• Provide CAO with strategic leadership and administrative support, including interaction with the GNC, IAC and Board on risk management, governance, risks, and projects and transactions.
• Oversight/supervision of outside counsel (corporate, regulatory, and human resources).
• Research, evaluate, analyze, and interpret state and federal laws and regulations to determine impacts to organization and recommendations for corporate action.
• Consult with the Company’s leadership team, senior management team and Board on various business issues.
• Provide day-to-day legal advice to company management and staff.
• Act as a point of contact for inquiries/investigations/examinations by regulatory and law enforcement agencies and responds to subpoenas upon the approval of the CEO or CAO or their designee.
• Serve as a legal subject matter expert, along with SCCO, regarding governmental and regulatory impacts to DDWA and its holding company WDS and all affiliates in the corporate organization.
• Ensure that appropriate corporate policy related to compliance with federal & state laws and regulations is in place.
• Ensure Company’s legal and contracting practices are appropriate and high functioning.
• Provide consultative support for the compliance, regulatory and contract administration teams.
• In collaboration with SCCO, prepare and review proposed contracts, leases, corporate insurance policies, business associate agreements, other formal agreements, and legal instruments.
• Review and approve advertising copy and PR statements from a legal standpoint, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the SCCO in the oversight and implementation of the Compliance Program.

Experience, skills, and education you need to have to succeed in the position: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

• JD degree from accredited law school and license to practice law in Washington State. Legal practice experience at outside firm and/or corporate totaling a minimum of seven years.Experience with the following areas would be “plus”:
  • Significant business transactions, joint ventures, collaborations/alliances, licensing, early-stage investment transactions, as well as employee and executive human resources issues.
  • Operating in a regulated industry, such as insurance and/or healthcare.
• Experienced leader with well-developed business sense, proven judgment, and strong negotiation skills.
• Able to balance legal risks with business objectives in a practical manner.
• Flexible and able to react to a fast-paced work environment in a prompt, thoughtful and calm manner.
• General knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to healthcare, preferably within insurance industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into readily understandable terms.
• Exceptional administrative and time management skills to meet multiple project deadlines with varying completion dates, including discerning priorities and scheduling appropriately while being highly diplomatic.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Superior legal research and analytical skills to assess state and federal laws and regulations and determine applicability to company.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, confidence presenting to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Strong collaboration and relationship building skills.
• Computer proficiency, experience with various common software tools and programs.

Washington Dental Service and its affiliates, including Delta Dental of Washington and Arcora Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.