Lead Counsel, Assistant Secretary

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
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•    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

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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.