Paralegal - Regulatory

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority•Sarasota, FL

6d•$88,917 - $102,255

About The Position

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, an Independent Special District of the state of Florida responsible for operating Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, is seeking a Paralegal - Regulatory. Reporting to the Authority’s Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and Compliance, this position helps ensure the Authority complies with federal and state laws affecting the Airport. The role develops and implements regulatory strategies, keeps the organization informed of regulatory changes, supports compliance across departments, and serves as a key contact during regulatory inspections, audits, and agency interactions. The position researches and drafts regulatory reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and contract language; assesses regulatory risks; supports compliant procurement processes; tracks compliance metrics; and provides guidance on applicable regulations, legislative requirements, and case law. The work is primarily in an office environment, with periodic field investigations on airport property and occasional exposure to active airfields, terminals, construction, and operational environments. Federal security background checks, airport security badging, and driving requirements apply.

Requirements

Hold a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation from the Florida Bar or a Certified Paralegal (CP) designation from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), Inc.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in law, accounting, auditing, finance, business, or public administration.
At least 5 years of regulatory affairs experience in aviation or an equivalent heavily regulated industry.
Strong attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and understanding of legislative and regulatory rulemaking processes.
Demonstrated success developing and executing regulatory strategies and obtaining and maintaining regulatory compliance.
In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, including federal regulations, state statutes, minimum standards, rules, and regulations.
Experience interacting with federal and state regulatory authorities and managing regulatory inspections and audits.
Strong understanding of quality systems and ability to apply regulatory requirements to quality management processes.
Experience developing and maintaining regulatory compliance documentation, including technical files, dossiers, and related documents.
Compliance with federal security background check, airport security badging, and driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications.
Strong knowledge of regulatory affairs principles, regulations, and guidelines, particularly in the relevant industry.
Understanding of the product development process and ability to apply regulatory requirements at each stage.
Ability to review, interpret, and accurately explain laws, regulations, documentation, and regulatory guidelines.
Ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts effectively to legal and non-legal stakeholders.
Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with regulatory databases and software applications for tracking and managing regulatory submissions and documents.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and resolve regulatory issues.
Ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement regulatory strategies, policies, programs, and practices to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Stay current on recurring regulatory changes and translate them into actionable organizational compliance steps.
Work with regulatory officials, executives, management, and staff to align practices with legislative and statutory requirements, disclose variations, and implement corrective action plans.
Research and draft regulatory reports and correspondence relating to requirements including FAA regulations, Federal Grant Assurances, Title VI Civil Rights Programs, the Brooks Act, Florida CCNA, Florida Statutes, Authority resolutions, and local codes and ordinances.
Liaise with regulatory authorities, executives, management, and staff, serving as the primary contact during federal and state inspections, audits, and agency interactions.
Conduct regulatory risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies and practices.
Draft and review policies, standard operating procedures, and other documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
Draft contractual language consistent with federal mandatory and suggested contract provision guidelines.
Monitor practices and procedures and recommend improvements to achieve and document compliance standards.
Provide regulatory guidance and support to departments so requirements are incorporated into bids, proposals, qualifications, and procurement processes.
Monitor and track regulatory compliance metrics and provide assessments and presentations to executive management as requested.
Maintain a thorough understanding of federal and state regulations affecting the Authority and advise on new rules and regulations.
Conduct legal research and understand and explain existing legislation and case law.
Perform other legal affairs and compliance assignments as requested.