Corporation: Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

Location: Roosevelt Island, New York

REPORTS to: President/Chief Executive Officer

DEPARTMENT: Executive Management

JOB STATUS: Full time, Regular

SALARY RANGE: $206,000-$232,353

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC and/or the Corporation) is a public benefit corporation, state authority and a political subdivision of the State of New York, which operates under Title 35 of the Public Authorities Law. RIOC’s mission is to plan, design, develop, operate, maintain and manage Roosevelt Island. As part of this mandate, RIOC operates and maintains several facilities, including the Cultural Center, Sportspark, and the Motorgate Garage, as well as open spaces such as Firefighter’s Field, Southpoint Park, and Lighthouse Park, among other facilities and locations. Infrastructure operations include the Aerial Tramway, AVAC and free Red Bus services throughout Roosevelt Island. RIOC’s Public Safety Department serves as the Island community’s first responders in coordination with the New York City Police Department. RIOC’s workforce is comprised of administrative staff and union workers from Local 210, 32BJ, and PSOBA.

RIOC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. RIOC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the Corporation.

Position Overview:

The General Counsel/Vice President of Legal Affairs serves as the chief legal officer of the corporation and is responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters affecting RIOC. Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel provides strategic leadership and legal guidance to the executive team and Board of Directors, helping to shape and support RIOC’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives.

The General Counsel/Vice President will have overall responsibility for the management of the Office of Legal Affairs. The General Counsel/Vice President will provide legal advice on RIOC’s operations, real estate matters and programs, and participate with other Executive Team staff in setting RIOC’s operational and financial plans. The General Counsel/Vice President will be responsible for the staff of attorneys and other professionals providing legal support on a range of issues including procurement, litigation and other related in-house legal duties.

Key Responsibilities:

The General Counsel will have responsibility for corporate governance of the Corporation, including all Board- related activities as well as Corporation legislation and State reporting responsibilities under the Corporation’s statutes and the State Public Authorities Law.

The General Counsel assists the President/Chief Executive Officer in directing, coordinating, and planning a broad variety of activities of RIOC. The General Counsel helps determine priorities in the deployment of department resources and in services to be rendered and shares responsibility for the formulation of policy and for decision making as follows:

• Provides legal advice and support to the President/Chief Executive Officer and to the Executive Team on all aspects of the Corporation, including but not limited to, the Corporation’s financing, operations, procurement and litigation.
• Provides legal advice and support to the President/Chief Executive Officer on all matters of corporate governance for the Corporation, including responsibility for the preparation for and conduct of board meetings, oversight of the governing statutes and formation documents and compliance with state and federal statutory reporting requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including local, state, and federal legal requirements relevant to RIOC’s operations.
• Assists the President/Chief Executive Officer by formulating legal guidelines and standards, including determining the goals and methodology for achieving the goals set for the Corporation and the Office of Legal Affairs staff.
• Performs complex legal work which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, legal research, preparation of legal papers, representation at legal proceedings, rendering opinions and otherwise responding to complicated questions of law, conducting administrative hearings, negotiating contracts, drafting proposed legislation, drafting resolutions for adoption by the Board, drafting proposed rules and regulations for promulgation by the Board, and conferring with the Office of the Attorney General and other high level governmental officials.
• Ensures that the Corporation conducts its business in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

·         Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provides continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.

• Supports the Board of Directors and its committees, oversee the preparation of Board materials, and ensure adherence to corporate governance standards.
• Sets objectives and maintains internal controls with respect to legal functions of the corporation. Structures and manages the company’s internal legal function and staff.

·         Oversees the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all outside counsel.

·         Manages and oversees all litigation and dispute resolution matters, as well as union matters, and works closely with outside counsel as needed.

• Serves as key lawyer/legal advisor on all major business and real estate transactions, including Master lease negotiations.
• Provides legal counsel and support to RIOC’s Public Safety Department as necessary. 
• Serves as Secretary to the RIOC Board of Directors.
• Serves as Ethics Officer of the Corporation.
• Supervises legal staff and resources including with respect to hiring, promoting, evaluating, training and retaining department staff.

·         May delegate and supervise subordinate legal staff in the performance of any of the foregoing, or retain and oversee, on behalf of the Corporation, specialized outside counsel.

·         Any other reasonable duties may need to be performed related to the office of the General Counsel/Vice President of Legal Affairs.

Qualifications:

·         Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.

·         Must have 10 years of legal experience, preferably with significant experience with a New York public agency or authority, a public benefit corporation, a public sector organization or an urban development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position or general counsel role.

·         Significant experience with sophisticated real estate transactions, including but not limited to ground leasing, construction law and development, or have a good understanding of the preceding together with government experience and experience with the legislative process.

·         Experience providing advice to senior executive level officers, including advice and interaction with boards of directors.

·         Experience leading and managing teams of lawyers and professional staff.

Skills:

·         Strong negotiating, drafting, and analytical skills

·         Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, outside attorneys, and consultants.

·         Ability to manage outside counsel.

·         Ability to work under pressure.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·         Strong analytical and organizational skills.

·         Record of productivity.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and VP and General Counsel will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

What RIOC offers:

A comprehensive benefits package, including free health, dental and vision, paid holidays, sick and vacation days, commuter benefits, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, free parking, or monthly transit check, free membership to our Sportspark complex, EAP, LTD and Life Insurance Programs. RIOC also offers an exciting work environment with a beautiful view of Manhattan and Long Island City.

RIOC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RIOC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

RIOC is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York, which operates under Title 35 of the Public Authorities Law. Commissioner of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (“HCR”) serves as Chair of the RIOC Board of Directors. RIOC is empowered with carrying out the development, management and operation of Roosevelt Island.