General Counsel

at  Dormitory Authority State of New York

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor admitted and in good standing to practice law in New York State, and fifteen years of relevant experience in the practice of law in New York State subsequent to admission to the New York State Bar. Management experience with ten years’ experience supervising and evaluating professional staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor admitted and in good standing to practice law in New York State, and fifteen years of relevant experience in the practice of law in New York State subsequent to admission to the New York State Bar. Management experience with ten years’ experience supervising and evaluating professional staff. Demonstrated legal experience in the construction and/or finance industries.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrated management
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and
• Demonstrated analytical and conceptual
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound
• Demonstrated judgment and exercise of discretion including in confidential
• Proficiency in PC applications, such as Microsoft

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The General Counsel serves as chief legal officer of DASNY. The General Counsel directs the activities of the Office of Counsel and performs such duties as directed by the President. The General Counsel is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of DASNY’s Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and direct the activities of the Office of Counsel.
• Advise and render opinions to the Officers and Members of DASNY as to all legal matters relating to the administration and operation of DASNY and as to the laws governing the programs of DASNY.
• Advise the Construction Division on complex matters pertaining to procurement, contractor claims, liens and bonds, including the preparation and review of related legal documents.
• Coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office and manage outside counsel in connection with litigation in which DASNY is involved.
• Supervise bond counsel and review and prepare legal documents used in connection with DASNY’s debt issuances.
• Participates in development and implementation of asset management systems and provides legal advice in connection with the management of DASNY’s asset portfolio.
• Provide legal advice with respect to DASNY’s grant programs.
• Advise DASNY staff with respect to general corporate matters such as Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, ethical issues, insurance matters, systems issues and real estate matters.
• Participate and advise DASNY on labor matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations and disciplinary proceedings.
• Prepare legislation and render advice on DASNY’s legislative program; prepare reports to the Governor regarding pending legislation.
• Review and provide legal advice with respect to investment, custodial, wire transfer and other agreements for the Finance Division.
• Provide legal counsel with respect to the annual audit.
• Provide legal services related to Board matters, including corporate governance matters.
• Prepare and monitor departmental operating budget.
• Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as the President may determine.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain current knowledge of statutory and regulatory changes that relate to the operations of DASNY.
• Undertake special assignments as directed.
• Train and evaluate employees.
• Ensure supervisors meet their obligations in the supervision, training, and evaluation of their staff.
• Direct the development, documentation and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Direct the assessment, development, implementation and testing of internal controls.
• Must adhere to the NYS Information Security Policy Standards established and issued by the Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination. (Standards can be found on the Intranet).