Description

Position Summary:

Central Research, Inc. is seeking an Associate General Counsel to support our contract compliance team in Lowell, AR. The position will be responsible for ensuring compliance company-wide, specifically with the Company's student loan servicing contracts with the Department of Education (Contracts). This position will report to the Sr. VP/General Counsel and will work closely with the Contract Compliance team to reduce risk and avoid liability.

The Successful Candidate will have the following Responsibilities & Duties:

• Advise Contract Managers and Contract Compliance Team on adherence to and compliance with applicable federal and state consumer protection laws, regulations, and processes, including, for example, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Credit Reporting Act, etc.
• Monitor and analyze regulatory changes, providing guidance and updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Thoroughly understand Contracts requirements and provide legal advice and support to ensure compliance therewith.
• Interact with FSA officials on matters relating to compliance
• Oversee and support processing and, as requested, preparation of responses to borrower complaints, including complaints filed through the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
• Assists General Counsel, on all litigation arising from the Contracts, including in connection with lawsuits filed by student borrowers.
• Conduct reviews and audits to ensure compliance with contract requirements, laws and regulations.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to student loan borrowing.
• Provide legal oversight and support to compliance personnel working on the Contracts.
• Responsible for overseeing and auditing compliance processes and procedures to ensure overall compliance with Contract provisions and applicable law.
• Responsible for assessing and responding to administrative and regulatory claims against the Company.
• Create and update policies and procedures to reduce risk and avoid liability.
• Provide support to General Counsel as requested.
• Participate in legal actions of a sensitive and confidential nature
• Oversee and manage, with General Counsel, outside counsel responsible for major litigation
• Manage and participate in responding to federal and state audits, investigations, and examinations related to contracts with the Department of Education.
• Manage corporate licensing for Student Loan Servicing and related examinations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from accredited law school - Juris Doctorate
• Three to five years of experience practicing Federal government contracting law, either in private practice or in-house with a federal government contractor.
• Five years of experience with, and thorough understanding of, Consumer Protection laws
• Legal experience specific to student loan servicing compliance at a government agency, law firm, and/or in-house environment
• Working knowledge of Federal acquisition laws and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Must be able to obtain and retain a 5C suitability clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed Attorney
• Five plus years of experience practicing Federal government contracting law, either in private practice or in-house with a federal government contractor.
• Five plus years of experience with, and thorough understanding of, Consumer Protection laws
• Prior experience providing compliance support for a student loan servicer
• Knowledge of Federal Student Loan requirements.
• Litigation experience
• 3 years of supervisory experience overseeing staff performing related work

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively within all levels of the organization
• Demonstrate a superior level of initiative and proven ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing business needs

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Know Your Rights Poster can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.

Please note: We are currently unable to consider applicants residing in California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and the city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your understanding.

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