DescriptionThe Director of Contracts, Compliance and Risk will provide leadership, management, and support to the Executive Director, senior management, employees, and the Board of Directors on legal matters, risk management and compliance functions. This Director will draft, review, and revise all legal documents and agreements to which the Agency is a party, including but not limited to employment, real estate documents, licenses, easements, inter-governmental agreements, vendor contracts, etc. Director will assist with contract compliance, oversee safety and risk management, and work with outside counsel as needed. The Director will advise senior management regarding new and existing laws relating to the Agency's operations.Essential Functions include but are not limited to:
- Advises Executive Director, senior management, employees, and the Board of Directors on a wide array of legal matters, especially in areas pertaining to real estate, contracts, agreements, risk management, employment/labor, municipal law, non-profit law, and state and federal compliance.
- Drafts, reviews, and revises all legal documents and agreements to which the Agency is a party, including but not limited to employment, real estate documents, licenses, easements, inter-governmental agreements, vendor contracts, memoranda of understanding, board documents, etc.
- Remains aware of new and existing laws regarding employment, public bodies, labor relations, public finance, transit, and other matters related to the Agency's operations and advises accordingly.
- Oversees safety and risk management for the Agency.
- Assists with establishing insurance coverage that is commensurate with risk.
- Reviews/edits construction bonding language based on statutes and regulations of the appropriate funding source.
- Conducts and manages legal research and analysis and delivers advice and counsel, especially in complex and sophisticated areas of the law.
- Assists with the management of outside counsel on matters relating to employment, safety, litigation, claims, labor relations, etc. to ensure efficient and cost-effective service and the delivery of high quality and timely work.
- Participates in negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions of contracts.
- Monitors vendor/contractor performance and compliance with contract requirements and federal regulations from contract signing through close-out.
- Assists with the development and implementation of Agency policies as needed.
- Assists in the preparation of Board resolutions, ordinances, and other documents.
- Participates in FTA Triennial Review and other federal, state and Agency audits.
- Assists Executive Director with the implementation of projects and initiatives.
Non-Essential Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Advanced degree with six or more years of direct legal experience.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.); licensure to practice in the State of Illinois.
- Substantial and in-depth legal experience, involving contracts, real estate and compliance.
- Experience working with a public body preferred.
- Experience with real estate transactions preferred.
- Experience with risk management and safety preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive professionally, including excellent customer service skills and ability to work collaboratively as a valued partner in the office.
- Demonstrated talent and skill in program leadership, exceptionally sound personal judgment and initiative, and excellent legal matter management skills.
- Ability to manage/work through differences and drive consensus in resolving challenging legal issues.
- Highest commitment to ethics, integrity and honesty, and the aspirations of the legal profession and lawyering, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across a broad range of diverse constituencies, including executives, elected officials, Board members, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively when needed, exercising good judgment and initiative, and making decisions on issues and matters.
- Ability to skillfully communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
- Ability to oversee and maintain highly confidential information.
- Effective time management, personnel management, organizational, multi-tasking, and matter management skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent analytical, research, advocacy, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong presentation skills and the capacity to organize and explain complex and complicated legal information and concepts.
- Appropriate sense of urgency and ability to manage a demanding caseload of routine and complex matters - with grace, patience, diplomacy, and good temperament
- Experience with public sector contracts, and the development of request for proposals preferred.
- Possess the ability to act decisively under pressure, meet critical deadlines, establish priorities, and organize work schedules with attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential to the position.
- Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, and other experience with a variety of software programs and internet.
Working Conditions and Physical RequirementsNormal working conditions for this position are typical of an office environment. The position requires a capacity to work beyond standard office hours when needed to address critical deadlines. Travel is minimal.The physical requirements of the position include sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard or other office equipment. Must have the ability to sit for long periods of time. Requires visual acuity to read words and numbers and speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person or over the phone.