Director of Legal Affairs -Parks & Recreation

Agency Description

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 through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City's residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow [redacted] on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Legal and Policy Affairs will provide leadership and guidance around various legal matters and transactions related to the department including leases and licenses; memorandums of understanding (MOU's), Right to Know requests and other pertinent documents related to real estate, earned revenue opportunities, lawsuits and partnerships involving PPR. The position will work very closely with the City Law Department. This position will support departmental legislative priorities, liaising with city and state representatives to introduce, track, and advocate for legislation that generally impacts the department.

Essential Functions

• 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.

• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 and 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.

Additional Information

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.