Director of Legal Affairs -Parks & Recreation

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Legal and Policy Affairs will provide leadership and guidance around various legal matters and transactions related to the department including leases and licenses; memorandums of understanding (MOU’s), Right to Know requests and other pertinent documents related to real estate, earned revenue opportunities, lawsuits and partnerships involving PPR. The position will work very closely with the City Law Department. This position will support departmental legislative priorities, liaising with city and state representatives to introduce, track, and advocate for legislation that generally impacts the department.

Requirements

• Strong communication and business writing skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated, able to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
• Highly organized, detailed and capable of tracking projects in a systematic manner
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of common legal concepts, terms and practices related to the creation and management of leases and licenses and other forms of contract
• Strong negotiating skills
• Strong working knowledge of City and/or State government
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations
• Ability to handle matters with discretion, confidentiality, and empathy
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in finance, business, or business law
• Minimum of four years of experience in Law, business/nonprofit management, or financial management.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or JD degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Law Department to determine a transaction process and structure that accommodates the department’s business objectives in a manner compliant with relevant laws, policies, and procedures.
• Discusses and negotiates complex lease and license agreements and amendments with new or existing lessees and licensees in partnership with the Director of Property Management.
• Drafts Terms of Agreement describing approved lease or license terms and conditions and transmits the Terms of Agreement and supporting documentation to the Law Department for preparation of a final agreement.
• Works with the Law Department, Procurement, Office of Economic Opportunity, Risk Management, senior management, nonprofit partners, and other relevant parties for review and approval of RFPs in conjunction with PPR leadership and fiscal staff.
• Provides guidance to department staff in researching and interpreting the relevant sections of lease, license, key agreements, concession agreements and other agreements/MOUs to determine overall responsibility.
• Works with the Law Department to draft the department’s written response and actions to resolve violations of lease, license or concession agreement terms and conditions, as well as land encroachment violations.
• Functions as the Right to Know/Open Records officer for the department.
• Handles and tracks departmental lawsuits in partnership with the Law Department.
• Tracks and issues subpoenas in coordination with Human Resources.
• Manages policy-related questions, updates and/or revisions for the Department.
• Acts as legislative liaison with City legislative staff as well as City and State elected officials.
• Works with department staff to structure, negotiate and draft legislation for introduction to City Council/State legislature.
• Analyzes proposed council/state legislation, reviews and coordinates statements and testimony.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Eligibility into the discounted medical plan through our wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) with partner colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director