Job Description

National CASA/GAL Association Seeks

Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)

Location: Seattle, D.C. or Atlanta

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Association fulfills society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified compassionate adult will fight for and protect an abused or neglected child’s best interest. The mission of the National CASA/GAL Association, together with its state and local member programs, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. But today, only 45% of the children in the system have access to a CASA/GAL volunteer. The National CASA/GAL Association is committed to ensuring that 100% of the children in the system have access to a CASA/GAL volunteer by working with state CASA/GAL organizations. 

Breaking New Ground

National CASA/GAL has developed a strategic framework that is informing and guiding our efforts, and plan for the future direction of our organization. The leadership team that will drive these changes will be strategic thinkers, relationship builders, collaborative decision-makers, entrepreneurial achievers, effective communicators, change leaders, inspiring motivators, and culturally competent.

Position Summary

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) serves as the senior legal and compliance executive for the National CASA/GAL Association. This role is responsible for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, federal grant award compliance, and CASA/GAL network standards, membership and sub-award compliance.

The CCO ensures that National CASA/GAL and its nationwide network of state organizations and local programs operate in accordance with federal and state laws, nonprofit governance standards, and National CASA/GAL membership requirements and policies. Additionally, the CCO provides legal leadership to the CASA/GAL network through training, policy guidance, and collaboration with network legal counsel to address emerging legal issues affecting volunteer advocacy and child welfare practice.

Reporting Relationships

The Chief Compliance Officer will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Board Interface

Regular reporting to the Board of Directors, including collaboration with the Governance Committee, Finance & Audit Committee, and other committees as appropriate on matters related to legal risk, compliance, and governance.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

· Provides strategic legal counsel to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors while establishing and managing the organization’s legal infrastructure, policies, and risk management systems

· Manage internal and external legal affairs related to investigations, litigation, or disputes.

· Coordinate and manage outside counsel as needed

· Establish and oversee enterprise risk management frameworks

· Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards, employment laws, and data privacy and security regulations

· Identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies

· Leads legal compliance related to federal awards, sub-award terms and conditions, intellectual property protection, employment law compliance, and corporate governance

Federal Grant Compliance & Contract Oversight

· Ensure legal compliance related to federal awards, sub-awards, and contractual obligations

· Lead the development and oversight of terms and conditions associated with federal awards and ensure alignment with federal requirements

· Reviews and approves sub-award terms and agreements

· Oversee legal compliance related to contracts, procurement, and funding requirements

· Ensure appropriate documentation, monitoring, and audit readiness

Network Compliance, Standards & Program Oversight

· Oversee network-wide compliance with legal requirements, organizational policies, and funding expectations

· Lead compliance reviews and evaluate program policies, procedures, and submissions

· Manage non-compliance, including corrective actions, risk mitigation, and program membership decisions

· Develop and deliver guidance, tools, training, and technical assistance to support compliance and governance

Law Firm Partnerships & Legal Engagement

· Establish and maintain national law firm partnerships to support local programs with legal engagement and serve as a resource to volunteers and program operations

Education

· Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

· Active bar membership in good standing

· Ability to practice law or obtain licensure in Washington State, Washington D.C., or Georgia

Experience and Professional Qualifications:

· Minimum 10–15 years of legal experience

· Experience in or strong familiarity with: Child welfare systems, juvenile courts, or family law preferred

· Experience working with national organizations, federated/affiliate networks, multi-entity structures or public interest law or mission-driven organizations

· Experience in nonprofit law, federal grants, and regulatory compliance

· Experience managing legal risk across complex national organizations or affiliate networks

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

· Strategic legal leadership

· Exceptional judgment and risk management capability

· Strong nonprofit governance knowledge

· Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear guidance

· Collaborative leadership style

· Ability to build trusted relationships with boards, leadership teams, and network partners

· Strong commitment to child welfare and public service

Salary and Benefits

National CASA/GAL offers a competitive base salary plus benefits, generous paid leave, and work/life balance policies. This is a full-time exempt position.

Organizational Values

Adaptability ◦ Collaboration ◦ Integrity ◦ Respect ◦ Quality ◦ Service ◦ Stewardship

NATIONAL COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE ASSOCIATION

100 WEST HARRISON, NORTH TOWER, SUITE 140, SEATTLE, WA 98119

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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