Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel

About the position The Chief Administrative Officer / General Counsel (CAO/GC) serves as a key member of Cardea Health’s executive leadership team, providing strategic oversight and hands-on management of the organization’s legal, compliance, risk, and administrative functions. This role ensures the organization’s operations and governance remain compliant, ethical, and aligned with Cardea Health’s mission and regulatory obligations as a healthcare and nonprofit entity. The CAO/GC will serve as the organization’s primary in-house legal advisor and compliance officer, working closely with external counsel, consultants, and internal leaders to anticipate risk, shape policy, and promote sound organizational practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee organizational compliance across OSHA, HR, corporate, healthcare, and data protection domains
• Lead policy development and training to ensure organization-wide adherence to regulatory requirements
• Partner with external compliance consultants to monitor and maintain Home Health Agency (HHA) licensure and related certifications
• Serve as the organization’s in-house legal counsel
• Manage litigation and relationships with external legal counsel
• Provide advice on employment law, corporate governance, contracts, and healthcare compliance matters
• Maintain awareness of legislative and regulatory changes impacting Cardea Health’s operations
• Manage and renew all organizational insurance programs, including:

Professional and general liability Property Workers’ compensation Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage

• Ensure adequate risk coverage and coordinate claims management as needed
• Maintain the organization’s nonprofit and corporate status, ensuring timely filings and board documentation
• Support the CEO and Board of Directors in governance and compliance matters, including policy updates and meeting preparation
• Review, negotiate, and occasionally draft service agreements, vendor contracts, and MOUs
• Support internal departments in developing standardized contract templates and workflows
• Identify and assess key areas of organizational risk, including operational, legal, reputational, and financial risks
• Develop and advise on risk mitigation strategies, reporting mechanisms, and crisis response planning

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar or eligible for registration as in-house counsel in California
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 3 years in a senior legal, compliance, or risk management role
• Direct experience advising on corporate governance, contracts, and employment law matters
• Working knowledge of California employment law, OSHA, HIPAA, and data protection regulations
• Demonstrated ability to manage external counsel, insurance programs, and organizational compliance systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

Nice-to-haves

• 10+ years of legal experience, including 5+ years in a general counsel, chief compliance officer, or executive administrative role
• Experience within healthcare, nonprofit, or other regulated industries
• Proven track record managing multi-line insurance portfolios (e.g., D&O, EPLI, workers’ comp, professional liability)
• Familiarity with Home Health Agency (HHA) licensure, regulatory reporting, and accreditation standards
• Demonstrated success in building or leading compliance and risk management programs
• Experience advising boards of directors and supporting governance best practices
• Strategic, solutions-oriented mindset with ability to anticipate organizational risk
• Strong ethical judgment, diplomacy, and alignment with Cardea Health’s mission and values
• Strategic and analytical thinker with ability to balance legal risk and operational needs
• Trusted advisor and collaborative leader
• Deep understanding of compliance frameworks applicable to healthcare and nonprofit entities
• Strong ethical grounding and professional integrity
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment

Benefits

• Employer-supported medical
• Access to dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Retirement plan (401k) participation with a company match
• Commuter benefits
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance

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