Director of Legal Affairs -Parks & Recreation job

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 Department

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her 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 the upkeep of historically significant events and specialty venues and collaborates with communities and organizations on capital projects and inventive programming.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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, 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.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Transportation: Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Parental Benefits: 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness Program: Eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Paid Leave: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement: Generous retirement savings options.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition Discounts and Scholarships: Access to tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with over a dozen colleges and universities, offering savings of 10% to 40% on educational expenses for employees, and in some cases, spouses and dependents.

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