Lead Counsel, Assistant Secretary
Apply NowCompany: Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)
Location: Springfield, MA 01109
Description:
The Opportunity
As the Assistant Secretary, you will ensure Board members have the proper resources for discharging their fiduciary duties and influence the design and delivery of MassMutual's corporate governance. This includes ensuring the records and minutes properly reflect the Boards' actions, coordinating the agenda for and execution of Board meetings, annual meetings and Board planning sessions and acting as a liaison with subsidiary boards. This role reports to the Corporate Secretary and has frequent exposure to the General Counsel, Board of Directors, CEO, Executive Leadership team, Compliance & Ethics and other Corporate departments.
The Team
The Corporate Secretary's Office is a tight knit team defined by effective collaboration, strong communication, accountability, and high levels of engagement.
The Impact:
Board & Committee Operations and Support
Attend Board and committee meetings, take minutes and provide guidance on governance matters to the Board of Directors, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and other senior management
Assure adherence to committee charters, calendars and oversight responsibilities
Oversee the coordination of effective, successful Board and committee meetings by acting as team leader and leveraging internal expertise necessary, i.e., IT, audio visual, Event Planning, Security, Executive Travel and Facilities
Manage process for the annual meeting of members of the Company
Corporate Governance & Legal Compliance
Monitor best governance practices and analyze changes in governance rules and regulations to develop strategic recommendations to continually improve MassMutual's governance structure
Work with the Corporate Secretary and business partners to ensure that committee activities are set forth accurately in their charters
Ensure the Board and Company comply with all internal corporate governance practices and all applicable external corporate governance regulations
Prepare and coordinate required filings, forms and questionnaires
Stakeholder Communication
Coordinate with business partners to compile relevant material for Board and committee meetings and assist with review of materials, to allow for the Board to provide effective oversight
Draft and coordinate communications to the Board of Directors
Provide oversight and instruction on documentation management, administration of board portal for sharing and distribution of materials for Board members and management
Board Director & Executive Support
Facilitate the orientation of new Directors and assist in Director training and development
Manage the Board and committee evaluation processes
Strategic Leadership
As a direct manager, lead, develop and engage paralegal responsible for regulatory filings
Perform project work as determined by the Corporate Secretary or General Counsel
The Minimum Qualifications
Law Degree from a recognized institution plus 8+ years of experience as in-house counsel
Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts
Demonstrates understanding of the culture of senior management and the Board of Directors
Knowledge of legal and regulatory framework, preferably applicable to mutual insurance companies
Knowledge of corporate governance rules, practices, procedures, policies and structures
Broad cross-organizational knowledge (products, services, disciplines, etc.)
The Ideal Qualifications
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interact and build effective relationships with internal and external partners
Ability to obtain and maintain the trust of the individuals at the highest levels of the organization
High level of personal and professional integrity
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with strict confidence
Strong organizational skills and proven ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines while paying attention to details, ensuring a high standard of work
Demonstrated experience with issues management, risk and strategic problem solving
Ability to anticipate, improvise, and adapt for optimal resolutions
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member, and use independent and professional judgment with minimal supervision
Strong technology aptitude and a demonstrated proficiency with Diligent Board Portal, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,) and Adobe
Additional notes:
Regular, overnight travel to Board and committee meetings required
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and accessibility on short notice
Candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship
What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team
Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
Access to mentorship opportunities
Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits
#LI-IZ1
Salary Range:
$209,700.00-$275,100.00
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.
Why Join Us.
We've been around since 1851. During our history, we've learned a few things about making sure our customers are our top priority. In order to meet and exceed their expectations, we must have the best people providing the best thinking, products and services. To accomplish this, we celebrate an inclusive, vibrant and diverse culture that encourages growth, openness and opportunities for everyone. A career with MassMutual means you will be part of a strong, stable and ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits. And your voice will always be heard.
We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. As a company owned by our policyowners, we are defined by mutuality and our vision to put customers first. It's more than our company structure - it's our way of life. We are a company of people protecting people. Our company exists because people are willing to share risk and resources, and rely on each other when it counts. At MassMutual, we Live Mutual.
MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair, equitable pay by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component. For more information about our extensive benefits offerings please check out our Total Rewards at a Glance.
As the Assistant Secretary, you will ensure Board members have the proper resources for discharging their fiduciary duties and influence the design and delivery of MassMutual's corporate governance. This includes ensuring the records and minutes properly reflect the Boards' actions, coordinating the agenda for and execution of Board meetings, annual meetings and Board planning sessions and acting as a liaison with subsidiary boards. This role reports to the Corporate Secretary and has frequent exposure to the General Counsel, Board of Directors, CEO, Executive Leadership team, Compliance & Ethics and other Corporate departments.
The Team
The Corporate Secretary's Office is a tight knit team defined by effective collaboration, strong communication, accountability, and high levels of engagement.
The Impact:
Board & Committee Operations and Support
Attend Board and committee meetings, take minutes and provide guidance on governance matters to the Board of Directors, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and other senior management
Assure adherence to committee charters, calendars and oversight responsibilities
Oversee the coordination of effective, successful Board and committee meetings by acting as team leader and leveraging internal expertise necessary, i.e., IT, audio visual, Event Planning, Security, Executive Travel and Facilities
Manage process for the annual meeting of members of the Company
Corporate Governance & Legal Compliance
Monitor best governance practices and analyze changes in governance rules and regulations to develop strategic recommendations to continually improve MassMutual's governance structure
Work with the Corporate Secretary and business partners to ensure that committee activities are set forth accurately in their charters
Ensure the Board and Company comply with all internal corporate governance practices and all applicable external corporate governance regulations
Prepare and coordinate required filings, forms and questionnaires
Stakeholder Communication
Coordinate with business partners to compile relevant material for Board and committee meetings and assist with review of materials, to allow for the Board to provide effective oversight
Draft and coordinate communications to the Board of Directors
Provide oversight and instruction on documentation management, administration of board portal for sharing and distribution of materials for Board members and management
Board Director & Executive Support
Facilitate the orientation of new Directors and assist in Director training and development
Manage the Board and committee evaluation processes
Strategic Leadership
As a direct manager, lead, develop and engage paralegal responsible for regulatory filings
Perform project work as determined by the Corporate Secretary or General Counsel
The Minimum Qualifications
Law Degree from a recognized institution plus 8+ years of experience as in-house counsel
Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts
Demonstrates understanding of the culture of senior management and the Board of Directors
Knowledge of legal and regulatory framework, preferably applicable to mutual insurance companies
Knowledge of corporate governance rules, practices, procedures, policies and structures
Broad cross-organizational knowledge (products, services, disciplines, etc.)
The Ideal Qualifications
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interact and build effective relationships with internal and external partners
Ability to obtain and maintain the trust of the individuals at the highest levels of the organization
High level of personal and professional integrity
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with strict confidence
Strong organizational skills and proven ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines while paying attention to details, ensuring a high standard of work
Demonstrated experience with issues management, risk and strategic problem solving
Ability to anticipate, improvise, and adapt for optimal resolutions
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member, and use independent and professional judgment with minimal supervision
Strong technology aptitude and a demonstrated proficiency with Diligent Board Portal, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,) and Adobe
Additional notes:
Regular, overnight travel to Board and committee meetings required
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and accessibility on short notice
Candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship
What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team
Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
Access to mentorship opportunities
Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits
#LI-IZ1
Salary Range:
$209,700.00-$275,100.00
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.
Why Join Us.
We've been around since 1851. During our history, we've learned a few things about making sure our customers are our top priority. In order to meet and exceed their expectations, we must have the best people providing the best thinking, products and services. To accomplish this, we celebrate an inclusive, vibrant and diverse culture that encourages growth, openness and opportunities for everyone. A career with MassMutual means you will be part of a strong, stable and ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits. And your voice will always be heard.
We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. As a company owned by our policyowners, we are defined by mutuality and our vision to put customers first. It's more than our company structure - it's our way of life. We are a company of people protecting people. Our company exists because people are willing to share risk and resources, and rely on each other when it counts. At MassMutual, we Live Mutual.
MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair, equitable pay by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component. For more information about our extensive benefits offerings please check out our Total Rewards at a Glance.