Assistant Counsel

New York State Housing Finance Agency•Town of Guilderland, NY

About The Position

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR, the “Agency”) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. HCR is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. HCR Legal provides counsel across the agency’s offices and program areas, including with respect to financing and real estate transactions, litigation matters, administrative and regulatory issues, policy and legislation, and operations and governance. The team also encompasses the Tenant Protection Unit, which proactively enforces the State’s rent regulation laws. HCR consists of: the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, the New York State Housing Finance Agency, the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, the Affordable Housing Corporation and the State of New York Municipal Bond Bank Agency (collectively, the “Agencies”). The duties listed below relate to the work of the Agencies and will be undertaken under the direct supervision of the Agencies’ Associate Counsel for Legal Operations. Job Summary: The Assistant Counsel will be primarily responsible for the legal work applicable to the Agencies’ operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assisting with operational legal work associated with the Chief Operating Officer’s Office (Procurement; Finance and Budget; Information Technology; Facilities; and Human Resources) Assisting with the drafting and review of board materials in connection with Agency Operations (including but not limited to contract-related board memos and accompanying resolutions); Drafting procurement contracts, procurement contract amendments/renewals and agency real estate documents (e.g., office leasing), and advising on insurance matters; Assisting with IT-related legal matters, solicitations and inquiries; Working closely with Agency contract counsel and the Procurement department to update contract standard clauses, review solicitation and proposal material, and provide legal advice regarding grant, procurement and contract related legislation, regulations; Assisting with Agency FOIL requests and control agency inquiries/reviews; Assisting with Mitchell-Lama admission and succession appeals decisions, including research and other legal work associated with the Mitchell-Lama Program; Assisting with regulatory compliance of Project Sunlight; Assisting with legal matters relating to the Agency’s Department of Empowerment, Compliance and Opportunity and related matters regarding minority and women owned business enterprises and service disabled veteran owned businesses; Carrying out such other legal duties as are necessary to support Legal operations, at the direction of the Senior Vice President/General Counsel, the Deputy Counsel for Compliance and/or other supervising counsel.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience with providing legal support for government administrative and operational functions
Experience with Federal and NYS procurement and contracting rules and regulations, FOIL rules and regulations, or legal writing
Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.

Nice To Haves

Experience with FOIL, contracts and procurements, or drafting decisions for administrative appeals is preferred
Experience with Project Sunlight a plus
Experience with public benefit corporation or State executive agency procurement and contracting rules and requirements a plus
Familiarity with: NYS Finance Law, Article 11; NYS Public Authorities Law, Title 4; NYS Executive Law, Article 15; NYS Veterans' Service Law, Article 3; NYS Private Housing Finance Law; NYS Code, Title 9; and the NYS Public Officers Law
Knowledge of information technology contract matters a plus

Responsibilities

Assisting with operational legal work associated with the Chief Operating Officer’s Office (Procurement; Finance and Budget; Information Technology; Facilities; and Human Resources)
Assisting with the drafting and review of board materials in connection with Agency Operations (including but not limited to contract-related board memos and accompanying resolutions)
Drafting procurement contracts, procurement contract amendments/renewals and agency real estate documents (e.g., office leasing), and advising on insurance matters
Assisting with IT-related legal matters, solicitations and inquiries
Working closely with Agency contract counsel and the Procurement department to update contract standard clauses, review solicitation and proposal material, and provide legal advice regarding grant, procurement and contract related legislation, regulations
Assisting with Agency FOIL requests and control agency inquiries/reviews
Assisting with Mitchell-Lama admission and succession appeals decisions, including research and other legal work associated with the Mitchell-Lama Program
Assisting with regulatory compliance of Project Sunlight
Assisting with legal matters relating to the Agency’s Department of Empowerment, Compliance and Opportunity and related matters regarding minority and women owned business enterprises and service disabled veteran owned businesses
Carrying out such other legal duties as are necessary to support Legal operations, at the direction of the Senior Vice President/General Counsel, the Deputy Counsel for Compliance and/or other supervising counsel.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits [https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement] with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
Opportunity for compressed scheduling
12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave
Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling
As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service] (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans] and while working full-time for an eligible [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment] employer.
Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses
Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)
Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300