Full Time Director

Director of Legal Services and Communication *
Do you have passion and empathy for people with special needs?
* Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), located in Richmond VA, is a growing nonprofit organization that administers pooled special needs trusts for people who are vulnerable, injured, or have special needs. Our staff provides the highest quality of service based on best practices and the agency code of ethics. See a member of the organization’s leadership team, the Director of Legal Services and Communication holds a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs and internal/external communications. This position ensures legal compliance, manages risk, and crafts messaging that aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and goals. The position requires client-facing opportunities, including in-person and virtual presentations, as well as attendance at conferences, which will necessitate travel nationwide.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with medical limitations or disabilities to perform the Essential Responsibilities. _
* Provide legal expertise to ensure that all aspects of trust administration comply with federal and state laws, particularly those governing non-profit organizations and pooled trusts.
* Draft, review, and revise legal documents, including master trust agreements, joinder agreements, trust amendments, contracts, court orders, and organizational policies. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and legal soundness.
* Advise the CEO, Directors and staff on implications for trust operations and organizational practices.
* Serve as the internal legal resource for staff, responding to inquiries related to beneficiary eligibility, trust disbursements, and legal obligations. Coordinate with outside counsel on complex legal matters, litigation, or specialized issues. Facilitate communication between CCT and legal representatives of beneficiaries or their families.
* Identify potential legal risks and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate exposure. Assist in developing internal controls and procedures to safeguard the organization’s legal interests.
* Develop and deliver internal training sessions for staff on legal topics relevant to trust administration, such as fiduciary duties, privacy laws, and disability rights.
* Responsible for CCT’s monthly newsletter, which includes content creation, beneficiary and staff interviews. Craft clear, consistent messaging across all communication channels both internal and external, including website content, brochures, press releases, and educational materials. Tailor language to diverse audiences including beneficiaries, families, professionals and staff members.
* Serve as a primary spokesperson for CCT, preparing and delivering professional presentations, participating in panel discussions, and representing the organization at conferences, webinars, trainings, and community events.
* Conduct in-person and virtual educational sessions for external partners, beneficiaries, families, staff and professionals on special needs trusts and CCT services.
* Maintain and update website content. Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
* Effective communication skills, strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
* and the ability to clearly communicate the presentation of data and information.
* Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, , and customer relationship management (CRM) database systems such as Salesforce, for a paperless work environment.
Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, preferably in nonprofit, trust, or disability law.
* Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience in professional communications.
* Strong understanding of special needs trusts, Medicaid, and Social Security regulations.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
* Familiarity with graphic design tools or newsletter platforms (e.g., Significant public speaking or training facilitation experience.
* Experience presenting to legal, social service, healthcare, or financial professionals.
This is a full-time, exempt position. $140,000 to $150,000 per year with generous benefits including vacation and paid time off, a health benefit, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.
About Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT)
Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that administers affordable and efficient Pooled Special Needs Trusts. Job Type: Full-time
Life insurance
* Retirement plan
Legal: 5 years (Required)
* Ability to Relocate:
* Relocate before starting work (Preferred)