Director of Legal Services and Communication

Director of Legal Services and Communication

• Do you have passion and empathy for people with special needs?
• Do you value working with a team of committed and caring professionals?
• Then this may be just the opportunity you’ve been seeking!

Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), located in Richmond VA, is a growing nonprofit organization that administers pooled special needs trusts for people who are vulnerable, injured, or have special needs. Our staff provides the highest quality of service based on best practices and the agency code of ethics. See www.trustcct.org.

As a member of the organization’s leadership team, the Director of Legal Services and Communication holds a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs and internal/external communications. This position ensures legal compliance, manages risk, and crafts messaging that aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and goals. The position requires client-facing opportunities, including in-person and virtual presentations, as well as attendance at conferences, which will necessitate travel nationwide.

Essential Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with medical limitations or disabilities to perform the Essential Responsibilities.

• Provide legal expertise to ensure that all aspects of trust administration comply with federal and state laws, particularly those governing non-profit organizations and pooled trusts.
• Draft, review, and revise legal documents, including master trust agreements, joinder agreements, trust amendments, contracts, court orders, and organizational policies. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and legal soundness.
• Monitor and interpret changes in relevant legislation and regulations. Advise the CEO, Directors and staff on implications for trust operations and organizational practices.
• Serve as the internal legal resource for staff, responding to inquiries related to beneficiary eligibility, trust disbursements, and legal obligations. Provide clear, actionable guidance while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on complex legal matters, litigation, or specialized issues. Facilitate communication between CCT and legal representatives of beneficiaries or their families.
• Identify potential legal risks and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate exposure. Assist in developing internal controls and procedures to safeguard the organization’s legal interests.
• Develop and deliver internal training sessions for staff on legal topics relevant to trust administration, such as fiduciary duties, privacy laws, and disability rights.
• Responsible for CCT’s monthly newsletter, which includes content creation, beneficiary and staff interviews. Ensure the newsletter reflects CCT’s mission and engages a broad audience.
• Craft clear, consistent messaging across all communication channels both internal and external, including website content, brochures, press releases, and educational materials. Tailor language to diverse audiences including beneficiaries, families, professionals and staff members.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for CCT, preparing and delivering professional presentations, participating in panel discussions, and representing the organization at conferences, webinars, trainings, and community events.
• Conduct in-person and virtual educational sessions for external partners, beneficiaries, families, staff and professionals on special needs trusts and CCT services.
• Maintain and update website content. Contribute to social media strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and tone.
• Additional tasks as assigned by President/CEO.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills, strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
• Close attention to detail for narrative text (spelling, punctuation, etc.) and the ability to clearly communicate the presentation of data and information.
• Results-oriented and adaptable to change.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, Monday.com, and customer relationship management (CRM) database systems such as Salesforce, for a paperless work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Virginia (or ability to obtain licensure promptly).
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, preferably in nonprofit, trust, or disability law.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience in professional communications.
• Strong understanding of special needs trusts, Medicaid, and Social Security regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to CCT’s mission and values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit communications or public relations.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools or newsletter platforms (e.g., Canva, MailChimp).
• Significant public speaking or training facilitation experience.
• Experience presenting to legal, social service, healthcare, or financial professionals.

Pay and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position will be based on experience. CCT offers generous benefits including vacation and paid time off, a health benefit, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.

CCT is an equal opportunity employer.

About Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT)

Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that administers affordable and efficient Pooled Special Needs Trusts. Founded in 1990, CCT has grown to serve more than 2,000 beneficiaries throughout the United States. Our staff enjoy a supportive, welcoming, and cohesive work environment.