Counsel

Mass Development•Devens, MA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ premier development finance agency and land bank, collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and municipalities to catalyze economic growth across the Commonwealth. Our mission is anchored in three core pillars: driving business innovation, accelerating economic development, and empowering communities, and rooted in the principles of access, equity, and inclusion, we are committed to fostering a thriving, resilient economy. Make an Impact with Us! Are you interested in using your public sector legal experience to help advance economic development in Massachusetts? MassDevelopment is seeking a mission-driven attorney with at least five years of legal experience to join our collaborative in-house counsel team. In this role, you will provide practical, timely legal guidance to stakeholders across the Agency, with a primary focus on matters related to the Devens Enterprise Zone, a unique economic development area that supports business growth, redevelopment, streamlined governance, and mixed-use activity. We are looking for a proactive, adaptable attorney with strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn new areas of law and policy. In addition to Devens-related work, this role will support a broad range of legal matters, including procurement, grant agreements, public records requests, litigation support, compliance guidance, and other day-to-day legal department needs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
Minimum of five years of legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, or public or quasi-public agency.
Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: municipal law, employment and labor law, zoning and land use, real estate, construction, contracts, public procurement, and/or environmental law.
Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector legal frameworks, including the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and Conflict of Interest Law.
Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, shift between competing demands, and respond effectively in time-sensitive or emergent situations.
Ability and willingness to travel periodically, primarily within Massachusetts.
Commitment to fostering a workplace culture grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, access, belonging, and anti-oppression principles.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and counsel to the Executive Vice President of Devens, Agency officers and staff, department heads, and, as appropriate, members of the Board of Directors on a broad range of legal issues arising from Devens operations.
Serve as legal lead on contracts and transactional matters, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements related to procurement and public bidding, intergovernmental agreements, and other operational contracts.
Advise on tax assessment and related municipal matters affecting Devens.
Provide legal support on real estate and development matters in collaboration with Agency counsel, including: Agency solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFEIs and related procurement processes), Real estate transactions and development agreements (including land disposition agreements, purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, licenses, rights of entry, deeds, development services agreements, and related documents), Zoning, land use, permitting, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, entitlements, and Land Court proceedings.
Advise on Devens Utilities matters, including infrastructure projects, third-party service contracts, rate-setting, customer disputes, bankruptcy and delinquent accounts, and development and maintenance of utility terms and conditions.
Support legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives, including drafting and reviewing legislation, advising on statutory authority, interpreting bylaws, ordinances, resolutions, and policies, and supporting regulatory promulgation under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A.
Provide legal support on employment and labor matters affecting Devens personnel.
Conduct legal research and monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments impacting Agency operations.
Manage outside counsel relationships in consultation with the General Counsel.
Develop and deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on legal, compliance, and governance matters.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the General Counsel.
Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, and public service.