General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer 04012 NWG

Preferred Office Locations: Knoxville TN., Salt Lake City, UT., Idaho Falls, ID.
Title: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Schedule (FT/PT): Regular Full Time
Travel Required: Yes (25-50%)
Government Clearance: Ability to Obtain

For over 25 years, North Wind Group (North Wind) and its subsidiary companies have been influencing the future of, and aiming to be the nationwide small business leader in, the engineering, environmental, construction, IT/cyber, facility operations, and professional service industries. North Wind allows its employees to develop creative and practical solutions to complex problems, while accomplishing its mission of delivering quality results safely, on time, and on budget, for every project. Our mission is accomplished through forward-thinking, advanced technology services, and our cultivation of a diverse and inclusive workplace.

North Wind recognizes our biggest asset is our employees. Our success is a direct result of the hard work, skills, expertise, and unique perspectives and talents that each of our employees bring to North Wind. We are looking for exceptionally talented, motivated, and dynamic individuals to join the North Wind team - not only to support our mission but be an integral part of our continued success.
POSITION PURPOSE:
The General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer (GC/CCO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as the senior legal and compliance executive providing legal advice and guidance to the operations of a holding company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and majority owned joint ventures. This executive provides strategic legal and compliance leadership, advises the CEO and Board of Directors on all legal and regulatory matters, and ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and policies including the review, negotiation and revision of government contracts and subcontracts, small business regulation compliance, labor & employment, ethics and business conduct policies and procedures.
The GC/CCO is responsible for safeguarding the organization's legal interests, promoting sound governance practices, and maintaining compliance programs that uphold the values, mission, and shareholder obligations of the parent Alaskan Native Corporation. This includes reviewing and analyzing legal risks, assessing opportunities and implementing changes as appropriate to the company's goals, mission, and program objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Legal Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as the chief legal advisor to the CEO, Board, and executive leadership on all legal and regulatory matters.
• Serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) supporting organization management and strategic planning and implementation.
• Provide legal oversight for all operations, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contracting, real estate, litigation, employment law, and intellectual property.
• Develop and implement organization-wide legal strategies that anticipate risk and enable growth.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal laws, including the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and related regulations.
• Promote cultural awareness and ensure legal strategies are aligned with Alaska Native values and traditions.

2. Corporate Governance and Ethics

• Serve as Corporate Secretary for the Holding Company and coordinate governance practices across subsidiaries.
• Maintain Board documentation, corporate records, and governance policies consistent with ANC and federal standards.
• Oversee the Ethics and Business Conduct Program, ensuring integrity and accountability at every organizational level.
• Advise on conflicts of interest, fiduciary duties, and compliance with ANC shareholder and SBA 8(a) requirements.

3. Compliance and Risk Management

• Serve as Chief Compliance Officer with enterprise-wide responsibility for compliance programs, internal investigations, and risk management.
• Oversee compliance with FAR, DEAR, SBA 8(a), Service Contract Act, and Davis-Bacon Act requirements.
• Direct facility and personnel security programs in accordance with DOE and DOD standards.
• Serves as standing member of the Group Risk Committee.
• Support and monitor risk mitigation strategies aligned with ISO 31000 and COSO frameworks.
• Provide legal guidance on ESG initiatives, sustainability reporting, and environmental compliance, particularly in relation to federal and state environmental laws.
• Oversee legal aspects of data privacy, cybersecurity compliance, and incident response planning in coordination with IT and security teams.

4. Contracts, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs

• Provide oversight and legal guidance on federal contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, mentor-protege arrangements, and joint venture structures including leadership and management of the organizations contracting, procurement and subcontracting teams.
• Support SBA small business program compliance, including affiliation, limitations on subcontracting, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with DOE, DOD, EPA, and other agency-specific requirements.

5. Litigation, Investigations, and Outside Counsel

• Manage enterprise litigation, dispute resolution, and administrative proceedings.
• Lead internal investigations related to ethics, compliance, or whistleblower allegations.
• Prepare investigation reports related to the investigation and prepare briefings for executive management and Board.
• Retain, manage and oversee, and evaluate outside counsel to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

6. Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary Legal and Compliance Department, including deputy and assistant counsel, compliance professionals, and support staff.
• Establish departmental goals, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence across the enterprise.
• Lead internal training activities on assorted topics as an internal subject matter expert.
• Develop succession plans for key legal and compliance roles and support professional development of legal staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive legal experience, including leadership in an in-house counsel role or law firm environment.
• Advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and companion Agency Supplement.
• Advanced knowledge of the Service Contract Act and Davis Bacon Act regulations and the respective application in federal government contracts.
• Extensive experience and understanding with the Small Business Act, its implementing regulations and 8(a) program and compliance.
• Proven experience managing compliance, investigations, and government interface.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic and analytical problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with executive presence.
• High ethical standards and sound professional judgment.
• Proven leadership of legal teams in complex, multi-entity structures.
• Able to work under stress, effectively interact with others and the ability to address conflict.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Alaska Native Corporations.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE and DOD security clearances.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in ANC or tribal enterprise governance is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be sitting for long periods of time in an office environment, but will also be required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is often required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting with periodic travel to subsidiary locations and federal project sites. High confidentiality and discretion are required.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people! For more information about our benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline +1.208.528.8718 or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Proof of citizenship will be required as a condition of employment.

Candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or Higher US Government Clearance.