Assist with providing in-house legal advice and support to the General Counsel, the Executive Director and all MSBA departments on a range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory compliance, procurements, contracts, design, construction, and administrative/public law. Work closely with the General Counsel in the management of legal matters related to the MSBA and its operation, and in other areas of responsibility under the General Counsel. Manage certain areas of the MSBA legal department’s key functions.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Provide advice and counsel to MSBA administration and staff regarding contracts, employment law, municipal law, administrative law, education law, public construction law, employment law, public records law, public procurement law, ethics law, open meeting law; provide formal and informal legal opinions to MSBA administration and staff
Lead several of the legal department’s key functions including work related to public meetings, MSBA regulations, procurements and contracts
Interpret laws, regulations, and opinions; analyze and provide guidance on how they affect the MSBA
Ensure the implementation of the MSBA’s policies and procedures
Draft, negotiate and administer the Authority’s contracts with vendors and consultants
Manage maintenance of MSBA standard contracts, including funding agreements for districts and contracts for vendors and contractors; review and periodically update the MSBA standard contracts; manage legal department staff assigned to contract review
Review municipal procurement documents and process to ensure compliance with MSBA policy and procedures
Draft/prepare funding agreements, certifications, and other documents necessary for the successful administration of the MSBA’s grant program
Respond to public law matters, including, but not limited to, the open meeting law and ethics laws
Draft and review reports, correspondence, memoranda, legal agreements and other documents
Represent the MSBA in meetings with school, district and municipal personnel, owner’s project manager and design professionals
Assist school, district and municipal personnel in understanding the Authority’s regulations, guidelines and requirements
Attend meetings of the Board of Directors, Designer Selection Panel and Owner’s Project Management Approval Panel as requested
Review Statement of Interests and other documents submitted by school, district and municipal personnel, as requested
Conduct research into a variety of legal issues
Assist the General Counsel and legal staff with all other MSBA Legal matters
Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise approximately three employees
Required Education, Knowledge & Skills
J.D. from an accredited law school
Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar
At least six years of related experience as an attorney
Prior managerial experience preferred
Prior experience with Massachusetts regulatory law municipal law, and/or public authorities is preferred, especially regarding contracts and procurements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including writing, proofreading and editing skills
Strong legal research skills
Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and present complex information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.
Mature interpersonal style; ability to interact with a diverse range of people
Demonstrated professionalism
Must also have the ability to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior management
Excellent organizational, follow-up, and attention to detail skills
Demonstrated ability to think independently, be proactive, and take initiative. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Knowledge of Massachusetts laws, including M.G. L. Chapters 7 C, 30 30B, 149, and 149A preferred
$104,383 - $117,431 a year
This job description is intended to be general and will evolve over time. The description is subject to periodic updating. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.