Deputy

at  The School District of Philadelphia

Deputy - (50023479)
Description
Title: Deputy General Counsel, Transactional
Department: Office of General Counsel
Union Affiliation: Not Represented by a union
Salary Range: $128,954 - $168,387
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy is a member of the leadership team for the Office of General Counsel (OGC). While this position focuses on transactional work, and other identifiable pending projects, other areas will fall within the purview of this Deputy, as the nature of the position is inherently fluid. The Deputy works with the General Counsel and other members of the OGC leadership team to identify needs and priorities, which may require pivoting to redirect resources. This Deputy will also support the General Counsel in a range of projects, including operational and substantive improvements. This Deputy may be asked and expected to represent the General Counsel during her absence, and will interact routinely with and ensure effective communications with other offices, including, for example, the Board of Education, the Office of the Superintendent, and Operations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school or university.
• Certificate of admission in good standing to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar.
• Ten years of full time, paid, professional experience practicing law and/or working in a nonlegal position which has included supervisory, administrative, or coordinative responsibility as well as responsibility for labor and employment counseling and litigation, legal compliance issues and oversight for labor and employment, investigations and response, legislative and regulatory review, policy evaluation and implementation, and training program design and implementation.
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Demonstrated knowledge of:
  o Pennsylvania and federal laws and judicial procedures.
  o legal concepts, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of legal research
  o issue identification and problem solving.

o engaging with individuals and groups with various backgrounds and priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to:

o analyze, organize and evaluate evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex matters.
o present materials in a clear and logical form for written presentations, such as reports, opinions, briefs, and decisions.
o stay abreast of, interpret and respond to changes in law, including statues, regulations, common law, policies, and contracts. o develop and build consensus and resolve conflicts. o draft and interpret legal documents, instruments, and legislation. o plan, direct, and coordinate the work of staff engaged in legal activities. o learn the school laws of Pennsylvania. o learn the policies and procedures governing the administration of the School District of Philadelphia.
o determine organizational needs and priorities.
o interact professionally with District leadership, governance and staff as well as with government and other public and private entities.
o work independently and collaboratively.
o efficiently produce a thorough work product, often under multiple tight timeframes.
o communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Serves and supports the duties and responsibilities of the General Counsel.
• Leads the transactional unit, managing and overseeing attorneys and legal staff engaged in contract review, real estate, procurement, and related transactional matters.
• Oversees, directs and reviews the work of lawyers, paralegals, and support staff in legal work, as well as operational and administrative functions.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other members of the OGC leadership team, and other senior leaders in the District.
• Collaborates with and provides counsel to OGC and District leadership concerning legal risks, obligations, and strategies.
• Provides training, oversight, and professional development for others within OGC and other District programs and personnel.
• Advises the District and Board regarding applicable laws and regulations, and District compliance therewith, and assists in the development of strategies and processes to support the District’s mission and strategic plan, and Board of Education policies, charter authorizing and Goals and Guardrails.
• Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and finalizes a wide range of legal documents, including fee based goods and services contracts and memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
• Provides legal advice and counsel on procurement, and District policies.
• Provides legal guidance regarding compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing public education, public contracts, and other relevant regulations.
• Develops and implements legal strategies to mitigate risk while advancing the District’s strategic goals and operational needs.
• Provides guidance regarding the preparation of board agenda items and presentations on transactional matters.
• Collaborates with and support other departments, such as procurement, finance, and facilities, regarding processes and legal considerations relevant to District operations.
• Manages outside counsel relationships as needed for specialized transactional or other matters.
• Mentors and provides leadership to attorneys and support staff within the transactional unit, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Conducts legal research and stay informed about changes in relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in education law, public contracts, and transactional work.
• Identifies, confidently, and diplomatically raise awareness of areas of risk while understanding many competing priorities, committing to a solutions-oriented approach.
• Juggles many priorities and demands, models and supports District and OGC expectations, and is available outside of traditional business hours.
• Handles other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
• Maintains up to date expertise regarding federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative case law pertinent to the position.
• Collaborates with General Counsel, other members of the Office of General Counsel, and other District offices.
• Reviews outside counsel invoices for professional services rendered to the District and invoices submitted under fee shifting provisions of pertinent civil rights laws.
• Trains newly hired attorneys and staff in areas pertinent to the practice area.
• Collaborates with General Counsel, and other District personnel and offices as appropriate, in the collection, maintenance, and interpretation of data.
• Evaluates and implements alternative methods to improve delivery of service to clients.
• Identifies potential for standardization to streamline processes and protect District interests.
• Provides legal counsel and representation of the District and the Board of Education on District matters as directed by and subject to the supervision of the General Counsel.
• Reviews and authorizes settlements within settlement authority of the General Counsel.
• Supervises the work of assigned staff, including law students and interns assigned to OGC.
• Manages outside counsel relationships, including engagement letters, reviewing outside counsel invoices, and best practice.
• Prepares written legal opinions and conducts independent research concerning legislation, legal relationships, duties, obligations and rights, and District policies, programs, and projects.
• Prepares and presents analyses and reports, including data-driven reports, as requested.
• Attends meetings to provide expertise to the members of the Board of Education, the Superintendent, members of senior District leadership, and other District personnel; advises on contemplated legal measures, and represents the District at official functions.
• Interfaces as needed with all levels of administration, Board members, regulators, government officials and personnel, and external counsel.
• Protects the District through research, training, and policy implementation.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
• Consults and communicates with General Counsel as necessary in the performance of job responsibilities.
• Maintains positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Attends training sessions, conferences, professional development and workshops as appropriate.
• Exhibits commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within OGC and throughout the District.
• Consults with General Counsel as necessary in the performance of job responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as requested and assigned by General Counsel, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education.
  Qualifications