Director, Associate General Counsel & Assistant Secretary

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

The Director, Associate General Counsel & Assistant Secretary is a senior legal leader within the Corporate Secretary function, reporting to the Corporate Secretary and Chief Regulatory Counsel. This role has regular and direct exposure to the Board of Directors and executive leadership and plays a critical role in advancing best‑in‑class corporate governance practices for a publicly traded, highly regulated financial institution.

The Director provides strategic legal counsel on corporate governance, public company, and banking matters; serves as a primary legal lead for multiple Board Committees; and operates as a trusted advisor to senior executives and directors. The role exercises independent judgment, influences governance outcomes across the enterprise, and acts as a key partner to the Chief Regulatory Counsel on complex regulatory and strategic issues.

Key Responsibilities

Board & Committee Governance Leadership

• Serve as the primary legal lead and Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Audit Committee, Financial Risk Committee, Operational & Compliance Risk Committee, and Preferred Stock Committee; provide secondary support for full Board matters.

• Partner directly with Committee Chairs and senior executives to deliver high‑quality, proactive governance support before, during, and after meetings.

• Own the planning, preparation, and execution of Board and Committee materials, including agendas, minutes, resolutions, charters, consents, and work plans, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strong documentation of oversight.

Board Effectiveness & Governance Strategy

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of enterprise‑wide Board governance processes, practices, and standards aligned with public company and banking regulatory expectations.

• Advise and educate executive leaders and Board content owners on governance best practices, regulatory expectations, and effective presentation of materials.

• Design and oversee the Director education and onboarding program, supporting continuous improvement in Board effectiveness.

• Support Board oversight of strategic transactions and the annual business plan, including governance frameworks and delegations of authority.

Regulatory, SEC & Public Company Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and file governance‑related Form 8‑Ks, serve as back‑up preparer for Section 16 filings, and provide governance support for the annual Proxy Statement and Annual Meeting.

• Lead legal aspects of the quarterly dividend declaration and payment process for common and preferred stock.

• Partner with the Chief Regulatory Counsel on prudential bank regulatory matters affecting governance, structure, and long‑term strategy.

• Support responses to regulatory exams, audits, and inquiries related to Board governance and entity management.

Entity Management & Corporate Records

• Provide oversight of entity management and subsidiary governance, including state and regulatory fil