Governance Specialist (Full-Time Year-Round) at Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc. – Naples, Florida

About Pelican Bay Foundation

Pelican Bay Foundation is a master homeowners association and premier luxury community in Naples, FL. One of the area’s largest exclusive enclaves, it spans more than three square miles and is bordered by pristine white-sand beaches. Our community offers one of the most diverse slates of amenities and activities in the region.

The Foundation manages all amenities and common areas, including two beach facilities with private restaurants, three racquet facilities, two boardwalks, a fitness and wellness center, a community center, and approximately 90 acres of land. A critical part of this responsibility includes ensuring compliance with all governing documents, state statutes, and regulatory requirements.

About the Position

The Governance Specialist is a newly created, high-impact role responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive governance and statutory compliance program for the Pelican Bay Foundation. Reporting to the Deputy General Manager – Administration & Governance, this role serves as the internal subject matter expert on Florida Statute 720 and related regulations.

The Specialist performs detailed compliance assessments, builds organizational processes, and ensures the Foundation maintains adherence to statutory requirements governing homeowners’ associations. This position requires exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a strong background in governance, compliance, or paralegal support. The role is critical in protecting the Foundation from legal and reputational risk while supporting transparency and accountability for the community.

What You’ll Do

Governance & Compliance Program Development

• Develop and maintain a master compliance register detailing all Florida Statute 720 requirements applicable to the Foundation.
• Catalog obligations related to board and annual meetings, official records, financial reporting, contract posting, covenant enforcement, governing document amendments, and recall procedures.
• Build a sustainable compliance framework to guide Foundation operations and decision-making.

Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis

• Conduct detailed, evidence-based audits of current practices against statutory requirements.
• Document compliance status categorically (Fully Compliant, Partially Compliant, Non-Compliant).
• Produce comprehensive gap analysis reports outlining deficiencies, root causes, and associated risk levels.

Remediation, Policy Development & Implementation

• Develop and execute a prioritized remediation plan with defined milestones and timelines.
• Draft, revise, and formalize policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to key compliance areas.
• Recommend workflow improvements to integrate compliance into daily operations.
• Design and deliver training to staff and Board members on governance processes, statutory requirements, and compliance procedures.

Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting

• Establish a recurring internal audit schedule and monitoring process for ongoing compliance.
• Implement a corrective action tracking system to ensure issues are documented and resolved.
• Maintain an annual statutory compliance calendar and monitor upcoming deadlines.
• Prepare and present an annual “State of Compliance” report to the Board of Directors.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, legal studies, or a related field. A JD, Master’s degree, or paralegal certification/experience is a strong plus.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in HOA governance, compliance, or regulatory oversight, with expert-level knowledge of Florida Statute 720 required.
• Experience in a paralegal role supporting corporate governance, community association law, or regulatory compliance is highly beneficial.
• Proven experience conducting compliance audits, developing policies, and implementing governance programs.
• Strong analytical, research, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex regulations into practical guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Foundation staff, Board members, and external partners.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and accuracy in managing sensitive information.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily desk-based work (approximately 75% of time) with significant computer use.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment (printers, scanners, filing systems).
• Occasional lifting of files or materials (up to 25 lbs.).

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total compensation and benefits package and pride ourselves in providing a fun, evolving, culture-centric work environment.

All eligible full-time year-round team members are offered the following benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment
• 401(k) with excellent Safe Harbor employer match
• Free Team Member Meals
• Company-paid Group Life, Disability, and AD&D insurance
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program

Every team member at Pelican Bay Foundation lives by our Core Values:

• Welcoming: Create and embrace a sense of community and belonging for all.
• Collaborative: Leverage our collective genius through communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Positive: Remain open to new ideas and use creative problem-solving to deliver exceptional member satisfaction.
• Respectful: Always do the right thing, even when difficult, and treat others with fairness, consistency, and respect.

Pelican Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.