The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) serves as the Texas PSF's legal authority and a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reporting directly to the CEO, the CLO shapes and executes legal strategies, manages legal risks, ensures compliance, and provides legal advice regarding applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations to the CEO, senior leadership team, and the Board of Directors. Collaborates with the CEO, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) , Chief Audit Officer (CAO), and Deputy Chief Investment Officer in strategic planning and problem solving to ensure effective investment activity. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee.
About the Corporation
The Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation (PSF) was created by Texas' first Constitution in 1845 as a perpetual fund to support the state's public schools and was initially seeded with $2 million. Since that time, the PSF Corporation has grown to comprise over $55 billion in assets and will distribute nearly $2.2 billion annually to Texas K-12 schools.
Key Responsibilities Include the Following
Oversee legal and compliance functions, ensuring strategic alignment with the Texas PSF Corporation's long-term goals. Oversee development and implementation of related initiatives and projects of the corporate strategic plan.
Oversee the preparation of agendas, motions, minutes, Board policies and procedures, and Board reports, and attend Board and committee meetings.
Oversee the Compliance function and ensure adherence with all policies, codes, rules, regulations, and laws applicable to the Texas PSF and its activities.
Identify and mitigate legal risks in business operations and investment opportunities.
Oversee drafting, procurement, and negotiation of solicitations and complex contracts for investments, investment operations, IT services, non-disclosure agreements, and other contracts for Texas PSF.
Oversee, coordinate, and counsel in the drafting of administrative rules, and the review of legislation and amendments are examined for potential fiscal and operational impacts.
Oversee external counsel relationships and work collaboratively with those firms on issues when required.
Qualifications
Juris Doctor degree (JD) or equivalent from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas or licensed by another state to practice law and eligible for and will apply within six months of start date for, Texas licensure under applicable rules of the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
Experience with contracts and agreements for equity and debt investments, and corporate governance or related.
Experience in complex contract drafting and negotiation.
Experience in developing and advising on internal policies and procedures.
Experience in statutory and regulatory analysis and interpretation.
Experience as a supervisor/manager of other attorneys.
Experience working with and presenting to corporate boards.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in regulatory and compliance, risk management, employment matters, and litigation management.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Extensive experience providing transactional legal advice for investments in alternative assets, especially private equity, real estate, and hedge funds/absolute return, and preferably on behalf of institutional investors; experience providing legal services to participants in the financial services industry; experience with federal and/or state laws governing institutional investors and fiduciaries, such as pension plans, endowments, and foundations; experience with financial markets regulations governing securities, commodities, broker-dealers, and/or investment advisors.
Knowledge of and experience with the formation and operation of investment vehicles, such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies, and documents related to their formation and operation; knowledge of and experience with investing, governance, and fiduciary and compliance principles and practices of institutional investors, such as endowments, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.
Substantial knowledge of and experience with boards, policies, and procedures.
Substantial knowledge of and experience with procurement and purchasing laws and regulations, open government and public information laws, statutory and rule interpretation, and negotiating contracts.
Knowledge of Texas administrative law and legal issues affecting a Texas state entity with a governing board, including reviewing, analyzing, and drafting legislation, bill analyses, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of accounting standards applicable to governmental organizations, such as GASB.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the investment industry.
Collaborates well with all organizational levels and fosters business relationships.
Exceptional communication skills with ability to use different styles depending on the context and audience.
Strong, principles based, understanding of legal judgement and risk.
Creative problem solver with a "getting to yes" mentality but can explain "why not" when necessary.
Strong work ethic with proactive mindset, and personal integrity.
Ability to provide legal advice clearly and confidently, strong commercial instincts and the ability to quickly win confidence and trust.
We Offer
Bonuses based on individual and fund performance.
State-paid health and life insurance plans.
Optional benefits, such as dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance, 401K and 457 plans and much more.
State of Texas defined benefit plan.
Paid holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
How to Apply
This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in the education sector by ensuring the responsible management of funds dedicated to supporting Texas schools. If you are a motivated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for financial integrity, we encourage you to apply for this position.
Click the Easy Apply Button and submit your resume. Yes, it is that easy!
Contact Us
Any questions? Ask our HR Team! Email us today at PSFHR@texaspsf.org