Director of Legal Affairs -Parks & Recreation

The City of Philadelphia offers a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and opportunities for growth and impact in a diverse and inclusive setting.

About the Agency

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for maintaining historically significant events and specialty venues and collaborates with communities and organizations on capital projects and innovative programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance on legal matters and transactions related to the department, including leases, licenses, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), Right to Know requests, and other documents tied to real estate, earned revenue opportunities, lawsuits, and partnerships.
• Work closely with the City Law Department to structure transactions compliant with relevant laws, policies, and procedures.
• Negotiate complex lease and license agreements and amendments with lessees and licensees in partnership with the Director of Property Management.
• Draft Terms of Agreement for leases or licenses and transmit supporting documentation to the Law Department for final agreement preparation.
• Collaborate with the Law Department, Procurement, Office of Economic Opportunity, Risk Management, senior management, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders to review and approve RFPs.
• Guide department staff in interpreting lease, license, key agreements, concession agreements, and MOUs to determine responsibilities.
• Draft responses and actions to resolve violations of lease, license, or concession agreement terms, as well as land encroachment violations, in partnership with the Law Department.
• Serve as the Right to Know/Open Records officer for the department.
• Handle and track departmental lawsuits in coordination with the Law Department.
• Track and issue subpoenas in coordination with Human Resources.
• Manage policy-related questions, updates, and revisions for the department.
• Act as a legislative liaison with City legislative staff and elected officials at the City and State levels.
• Structure, negotiate, and draft legislation for introduction to City Council or the State legislature.
• Analyze proposed council or state legislation, and coordinate statements and testimony.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Strong communication and business writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of systematic project tracking.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of legal concepts, terms, and practices related to leases, licenses, and contracts.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Working knowledge of City and/or State government.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Ability to handle matters with discretion, confidentiality, and empathy.

Qualifications

Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in finance, business, or business law; an MBA or JD degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of four years of experience in law, business/nonprofit management, or financial management.

The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation via SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with over a dozen local colleges and universities (savings of 10% to 40%, extending to spouses and dependents in some cases).