Special Counsel – Division of Enforcement and Investigations

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)

Special Counsel to the Division of Enforcement and Investigations at PCAOB, providing guidance on strategy and operations for investor protection. Collaborating with leadership and stakeholders in audit quality enhancement.

Posted 8/1/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, New York, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $248,100 - $400,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in DEI strategy formulation and implementation, with strong capabilities in project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Possesses a law degree and extensive legal experience, ensuring compliance and ethical governance in all DEI initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Law Degree15+ Years Relevant ExperienceExcellent Writing and Editing SkillsStrong Project Management SkillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

DEI Strategy DevelopmentLegal AnalysisProcess ImprovementBudget ManagementAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Excellent JudgmentProfessional EthicsCommunication SkillsDetail OrientedTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Outlook

Certifications & Qualifications

Admission to Bar

Industry Keywords

Public AuditingAccountingStakeholder EngagementGovernanceConfidential Information Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide guidance and direction to the Division on the formulation, implementation, and execution of DEI’s strategy, organizational priorities, transformation efforts, and innovation initiatives aligned with the PCAOB’s mission and the priorities of the Board and Chairman’s Office.
Analyze and advise the Director and other DEI senior leadership on DEI matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings, budget-related matters, coordination with other PCAOB divisions and offices and other stakeholders, governance and staffing matters, and policies and procedures.
Support responsible stewardship of DEI’s financial budget by helping ensure resources are aligned with strategic priorities and used effectively in furtherance of the PCAOB’s mission and the Board’s priorities.
Coordinate with others on the DEI strategic planning process.
Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on organizational and strategic issues.
Lead the identification, development, and implementation of process improvements and automation opportunities using innovation and Artificial Intelligence within DEI.
Interface with Division and Office leaders to drive effectiveness and collaboration.
Monitor and research select topics and media coverage related to DEI matters.
Assist and coordinate with the Director and other DEI leaders in developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies.
Compose and edit correspondence, speeches, reports, and external publications dealing with issues or subject matters affecting DEI in ways that require considerable sensitivity, discretion, judgment, and negotiation.
Prepare written documents that contain sophisticated analyses and discussions of competing policy necessary for informed judgment on the issues before the DEI and PCAOB Board.
Keep abreast of SEC, industry, and other self-regulatory organization initiatives, and develop and maintain strong working relationships with SEC staff and other regulators.
Create associations of trust and respect with key stakeholders.
Ensure a high level of accuracy in all details and manage a significant range of ever-changing priorities.
Attend and speak at conferences and meetings on areas of subject matter expertise.
Plan and coordinate logistics and communications for conferences and events.
Respond to inquiries made to the Director and other DEI leaders and determine the proper course of action.
Perform the full range of supervisory duties, including evaluating employee performance; making recommendations for appointment and promotion; hearing and resolving complaints; identifying development and training needs of employees; and other related supervisory tasks.
Recruit, maintain, and develop staff consistent with business needs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A bachelor’s degree, and law degree from an accredited law school, admission to a bar, and substantial relevant legal experience.
Minimum of 15+ years prior relevant experience.
Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.
Excellent technical and speech writing and editing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner and draft executive level briefings and communications.
Demonstrated ability to deal with highly confidential information while acting as a liaison between leaders and other constituents.
High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
Professional demeanor and the ability to exercise excellent judgment and handle confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
Able to uphold the vision of the Director in all his/her duties, maintain the highest standards of integrity, and possess unimpeachable ethics.
Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, co-workers, and external parties.
General knowledge and/or interest in public auditing/accounting.
Strong project management skills.
Adept at evaluating processes and making recommendations for improvement.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook applications.
Detail oriented with solid time-management, organization, and prioritization skills.
Self-starter with demonstrated ability to juggle priorities, work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent judgement.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous paid time off – Up to 6 weeks annually, in addition to 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays and a year-end break December 28 – 31, 2026.
Highly competitive 401(k) match and savings options – Immediate vesting and contributions matched dollar for dollar, up to 7 percent of eligible compensation. Roth in-plan conversion available.
Comprehensive and competitive health benefit offerings – Medical, dental, and vision plans
Supportive paid family leave benefits – Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and up to 16 weeks paid caregiver leave
Life insurance benefits – Basic life and AD&D insurance provided; supplemental insurance also available
Education benefits – PCAOB staff qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. We also offer student loan repayment assistance, staff college tuition assistance, and college coach program support.
Well-being and family resources – Mental health and well-being resources, paid volunteer time, emergency child/adult dependent back-up care services, family-forming assistance, discounted gym memberships, employee assistance program (EAP), health advocate program, and more
Commuter benefits – Tax-free employer subsidy and pretax employee deductions