Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs

The Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs serves as the organization’s senior legal leader, responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions across a multi-state skilled nursing portfolio. This role provides strategic legal guidance to executive leadership, ensures regulatory compliance in highly complex healthcare environments, and mitigates organizational risk across operations in Michigan and Ohio.

This position operates as a key business partner to the CEO and executive team, balancing legal risk with operational and financial objectives while supporting a culture of compliance, accountability, and ethical practice.

Serve as primary legal advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team

Provide guidance on healthcare regulations, labor and employment law, contracts, litigation, and risk management

Interpret and apply federal and state regulations impacting skilled nursing operations (CMS, LARA, state survey requirements, etc.)

Partner with operations and HR leadership on high-risk employee relations, union matters, and investigations

Lead regulatory compliance strategy across Michigan and Ohio operations

Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local healthcare laws and regulations

Oversee response to surveys, audits, and regulatory inquiries

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and compliance programs to reduce organizational risk

Manage litigation, claims, and external legal counsel relationships

Represent the organization in legal proceedings, including attending depositions, court hearings, mediations, and administrative proceedings

Oversee risk mitigation strategies related to patient care, employment practices, and operational exposure

Provide guidance on incident investigations and regulatory reporting requirements

Review, draft, and negotiate contracts including vendor agreements, physician agreements, and corporate transactions

Support mergers, acquisitions, affiliations, and strategic partnerships

Ensure contract compliance and risk alignment with organizational goals

Act as a cross-functional leader supporting HR, Operations, Clinical, and Finance

Train and educate leadership teams on regulatory changes, compliance expectations, and legal risk

Foster a culture of proactive compliance and accountability across all facilities

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active license to practice law in Michigan and Ohio

Minimum of 7–10+ years of legal experience, preferably in healthcare, long-term care, or highly regulated environments

Deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, labor laws, and compliance frameworks

Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership

Experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or post-acute healthcare

Background in regulatory surveys, CMS compliance, and state licensing agencies

Registered Nurse (RN) license strongly preferred for clinical/regulatory alignment

Executive presence and strategic thinking

Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk and operational needs

High integrity and sound judgment in complex situations

Exceptional communication and influencing skills

Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-site environment

#CORP