Senior Counsel, Corporate Governance & Assistant Corporate Secretary

Job description

About Our Company We’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of year-end 2024. Our team of 22,000 people across 19 countries, serves more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses – Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world. Job Description This role serves as a strategic partner to the Corporate Secretary's Office, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors, supporting best-in-class corporate governance, securities law compliance, public company reporting, and shareholder engagement. This position supports Board and committee governance processes and corporate record management while ensuring compliance with corporate law and regulatory and public company obligations. The Senior Counsel, Corporate & Assistant Corporate Secretary role plays a critical part in enabling informed decision-making, supporting strategic business initiatives, and maintaining strong governance frameworks that foster transparency, accountability, and long-term shareholder value. Key Responsibilities Corporate Governance & Board Operations Serve as a trusted advisor on corporate governance and related securities law matters, corporate law, and public company matters, partnering with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to support effective decision-making and governance excellence. Lead compliance with NYSE listing standards, and public company governance reporting requirements, including oversight of key proxy statement and governance disclosures. Provide governance and corporate law guidance for strategic corporate initiatives, including dividends, acquisitions, restructurings, and dissolutions. Support board and committee agenda development, preparation and review of Board and committee materials and the preparation and maintenance of the official corporate records. Maintain and update governance documentation, including corporate governance guidelines and committee charters. Oversee insider trading compliance programs and securities reporting obligations, including Section 16, Rule 144, and related regulatory requirements. Influence the company's governance strategy on shareholder engagement, investor outreach, and governance initiatives, while monitoring emerging trends and advising on shareholder proposals and stakeholder priorities Monitor emerging governance, regulatory, and executive compensation trends, translating developments into actionable recommendations, policies, and governance enhancements. Lead the ongoing evaluation and modernization of governance frameworks, policies, guidelines, and disclosure practices. Develop, mentor, and lead a team of governance and board operations professionals, fostering collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Required Qualifications Law Degree from an Accredited Law School with 7-10 years of experience as a practicing lawyer, preferably at both a law firm and in house. Significant experience with and knowledge of all aspects of corporate and federal securities laws and requirements applicable to a public company, preferably in the financial services industry. Ability to influence, gain credibility and develop strong working relationships with business partners and external constituencies. Ability to organize, plan, manage and implement large and ongoing projects, with competing priorities and deadlines. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to draft and interpret sophisticated agreements and plans. Highly organized with ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams. Ability to communicate results to appropriate audiences and suggest risk assessed alternative courses of action. Ability to monitor and analyze developments and trends in areas of responsibility and master new bodies of legal knowledge as regulations and business objectives evolve. Visa Sponsorship Applicants must have a valid work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require visa sponsorship for employment in the United States (e.g., H-1B, F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, TN). In-Office Collaboration We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process. Base Pay Salary The estimated base salary for this role is $193,200 - $236,100 a year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances. Full-Time/Part-Time Full time Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Job Family Group Legal Affairs Line of Business GCO General Counsel's Organization Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, disability status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.