Chief Legal Officer

Chief Legal Officer
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Position(s) Supervised: Deputy General Counsel, Vice President of Compliance, Vice President of Human Resources, Legal Assistant 

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven state organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin’s future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Chief Legal Officer serves as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to WEDC’s Chief Executive Officer, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors. This executive leadership role provides oversight of WEDC’s Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources functions while guiding the organization through complex legal, governance, regulatory, and risk management matters.

The Chief Legal Officer plays a critical role in advancing WEDC’s mission by ensuring sound governance, fostering organizational effectiveness, and delivering practical legal and business guidance in a dynamic public-sector environment. In this role, you will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, governance, compliance, and strategic business matters
• Lead WEDC’s corporate governance activities, including Board and committee support, bylaws, policies, and organizational oversight
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources divisions
• Advise on legal risk, regulatory compliance, policy development, and complex organizational initiatives
• Review, draft, and analyze legislation affecting WEDC and support engagement with policymakers and stakeholders
• Oversee outside counsel relationships and support litigation and legal proceedings as needed
• Partner across the organization to identify risks, develop solutions, and advance key business objectives

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and active license to practice law in Wisconsin
• Seven or more years of legal experience, with ten or more years preferred
• Five or more years of leadership experience, including responsibility for managing teams and developing talent
• Experience advising executive leaders, boards of directors, or governing bodies on complex legal and business matters
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and legislative processes
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance
• Experience in a quasi-governmental organization and/or both public and private sector environments preferred
• Occasional statewide travel (less than 20%)

Benefits

WEDC is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our team. We offer a remote-first work environment that promotes work-life balance, supported by generous paid time off (PTO) and a culture that values flexibility. Professional development is a priority at WEDC, and we invest in our employees through dedicated training resources, internal learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and support for professional certifications. In addition to these development-focused offerings, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System; a hybrid work allowance; and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.