General Counsel (Department of Metropolitan Development)

About the role

This position is responsible for working with development partners using community development incentives to implement catalytic community and development projects. Provide insight and recommendations on policy development in order to align with federal, state and local programs, further DMD’s mission and vision of a thriving city. The position will work to leverage resources and ensure projects and programs are implemented efficiently and in compliance with federal and local laws, regulations and guidelines. This position will work collaboratively with other city departments, other units of government, community partners and elected officials.

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening all people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, equitable, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive and innovative community. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Responsibilities

• Handles complex research of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools, and issues legal opinions to the Department of Metropolitan Development to inform policy decisions.
• Assists DMD senior leadership in developing policy for DMD.
• Reviews legal instruments and offers legal guidance for economic development initiatives under Indiana Redevelopment Law, including Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, Payment in Leu of Taxes (PILOT), municipal bonds, and other related items.
• Prepares contracts, resolutions, ordinances, complaints, motions, briefs and other legal documents related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools.
• Leads and facilitates department wide projects pertaining to statutorily defined procedures as assigned.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, provides legal counsel and guidance to the Department of Metropolitan Development pertaining to all aspects of real estate development, including any board of such department that makes recommendations to the City Council.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, drafts, negotiates, reviews, and advises on matters for major initiatives and special projects for DMD, the Mayor's Office and other agencies.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, drafts and negotiates project agreements, professional service agreements, leases, and renewals thereof, as well as provide legal advice concerning agreement disputes and terminations.
• Advise on matters related to the acquisition and disposition of real property interests by DMD.
• Advises other attorneys within the enterprise related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools.
• Research pertinent legal issues and draft memoranda summarizing findings.
• Review and draft City contracts and professional service agreements.
• Review and respond to various public record requests.
• Maintain current knowledge of municipal law and related subject areas.

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited college of university is required.
• Valid legal license to practice law in the State of Indiana is required.
• Extensive knowledge of state and local law, particularly as they affect economic development and local land use, is required.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet various deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of legal research and evaluation methodologies is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills is critical.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of legislative process, the municipal code of Indianapolis/Marion County and experience in land use & zoning, and redevelopment law is preferred.