Principal Attorney (Contract Administration)

NYC School Construction Authority•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Principal Attorney for Contract Administration reports to the General Counsel and provides legal advice and guidance on Authority procurement and related contracting matters, including construction, design, goods, and professional services. The role advises on SCA procurement and contracting activities by reviewing, drafting, and negotiating procurement and contract documents, interpreting applicable legal requirements, identifying and mitigating legal risks, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and SCA policies. The Principal Attorney serves as a primary legal advisor to Contract Administration and collaborates with other departments, including Architecture and Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, and Finance. The position also supervises, evaluates, coaches, and develops direct reports. The role is classified as non-competitive.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar and current good standing.
At least nine years of diverse legal experience after bar admission in business contracts, construction contracts, or general litigation, or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.
Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Ability to communicate complex legal matters effectively to legal and non-legal audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
Eligibility to work in the United States; the SCA cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in public procurement, government contracting, construction law, or transactional matters within a public authority, government agency, or large construction organization.
At least six years of experience involving procurement, contract administration, contracting, construction transactions, or a related area.
At least four years of experience independently handling complex legal matters and advising senior personnel.
Strong knowledge of New York City, New York State, and federal procurement laws and regulations, including construction bid documents and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel on procurements and contracts for construction, design and engineering services, goods, and professional services.
Draft, review, and negotiate solicitations, contracts, amendments, and related documents in compliance with applicable federal, New York State, and New York City laws, Public Authorities Law, and SCA policies.
Advise Contract Administration and other departments on procurement methods, competitive bidding, contract terms, approvals, and legal risks.
Develop and update procurement policies, procedures, contract provisions, templates, and legal guidance.
Advise on contractor responsibility, vendor integrity, conflicts of interest, contract performance, defaults, disputes, claims, remedies, and contract interpretation.
Support audits, Board matters, oversight reviews, corrective actions, and procurement reporting.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments and recommend changes to SCA policies and practices.
Review and negotiate contract terms, exceptions to SCA standard terms, and insurance requirements.
Prepare legal analyses and recommendations for the General Counsel and senior leadership on complex or sensitive matters.
Coordinate procurement-related litigation, disputes, investigations, subpoenas, and records requests.
Manage outside counsel, including litigation strategy, case oversight, risk assessment, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
Conduct legal research and provide legal guidance and training to SCA staff.
Serve as a primary legal advisor to Contract Administration and collaborate with Architecture and Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Finance, and other departments.
Represent the Legal Department in procurement negotiations and discussions with contractors, consultants, vendors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Present legal recommendations to senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, auditors, and oversight entities as needed.
Make recommendations on complex procurement and contracting matters, escalate high-risk issues to the General Counsel, and support updates to the Contract Administration Manual of Policies and Procedures.
Supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop direct reports, strengthening their ability to identify and address legal and contractual issues.

Benefits

Medical coverage, with basic coverage available at 100% employer-paid.
Prescription drug options.
Dental and vision coverage.
NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP).
Optional retirement savings plans, including 401K, 457, and IRA options.
Transit Check Program.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
Competitive paid time off (PTO).
Tuition reimbursement for continued education directly related to the current role.
Individual and organizational training opportunities, including leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, personal growth, and professional growth.