Senior Associate Counsel, Special Projects

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Company: Metronorth Railroad

Location: New York, NY 10025

Description:

Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

POSTING NO.

JOB TITLE:

Senior Associate Counsel, Special Projects

DEPT/DIV:

General Counsel

WORK LOCATION:

Jamaica Station

FULL/PART-TIME

Full-Time

SALARY RANGE:

$164,000-$190,000

DEADLINE:

Until filled

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

SUMMARY:

This position is for a senior level counsel who provides support to the Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief Special Projects. This position is responsible for rendering legal advice to MTA and agency departments and Senior Management on special projects and complex transactional matters. The position is responsible to assist Senior Management in developing legal strategy to achieve business objectives and provide support and assistance to the Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief Special Projects, agency General Counsels, MTA General Counsel and Senior Management in the formulation and negotiation of agreements relating to major development and capital projects. The position is also responsible to negotiate contract terms and conditions, draft MOUs with other governmental entities, and develop related policies and guidance documents as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent is responsible to render advice, analysis and guidance to Senior Management, MTA and agency departments on complex contract/transactional issues involving major project initiatives, including document review and analysis and legal research and requiring the ability to understand advanced technical, legal and business issues and objectives associated with major projects and complex transactional matters. The position develops and recommends contract terms and negotiation strategies and consults with User Departments and Senior Management with respect to the effect of different proposals and alternatives. The position interfaces with MTA agencies and outside parties to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirement and attainment of agency objectives.

The position is responsible to negotiate and draft license agreements, utility permits and memoranda of understanding with governmental entities and third parties regarding coordination of activities with respect to adjacent facilities, easements, force account work, etc.

The position may be required to advise on, analyze, and research historical agreements, such as between Amtrak (and/or Amtrak's predecessors) and MTA agencies and other third parties pertaining to the shared use of Penn Station and tracks and tunnels leading to and from Penn Station by LIRR and Amtrak (including Amtrak Derivative User, NJT) in connection with the day to day administration of the Penn Station Agreements, and the use of Moynihan Train Hall by the various LIRR operating departments and in connection with major capital improvement projects and new service initiatives.

The position is required to provide guidance and support and coordinate with other MTA and agency departments, including MTA Risk Management, in connection with insurance requirements under the various contracts, entry permits and license agreements. The position may also require to provide advice and support to various departments in the defense and resolution of claims arising under various agreements, including but not limited to the Penn Station Agreements, Atlantic Yards Development and Hudson Yards Agreements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • The incumbent will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, executing and enforcing multi-million-dollar agreements with third parties and in coordination with other MTA agencies.
  • This position will advise orally and in writing Senior Management and User Departments regarding business and policy issues in connection with agreement terms and conditions.
  • The incumbent is also expected to have a high level of experience in negotiating and closing complex financial, commercial or real estate transactions, and good research skills are essential.
  • The ability to make decisions regarding legal compliance is critical.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED
  • Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and New York State Bar Admission and license to practice law, maintained in good standing throughout employment.
  • In addition, a minimum of six to twelve years of general legal experience, preferably in the public sector, is required.


PREFERRED:
  • A business degree in addition to the law degree would be preferred, some background in general business would be helpful
  • An in-depth knowledge of the MTA is essential.


Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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