Director of Legal Affairs -Parks & Recreation at Cityof Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA

Job description

Position Summary  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.      Essential Functions  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.      Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  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    Education:  Completion of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in finance, business, or business law and/or an MBA or JD degree preferred.      General Experience:&#xa