Associate Counsel

About State University Construction Fund:

The State University Construction Fund (Fund) is a New York State government entity dedicated solely to facilitating and expediting the construction, renovation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the State University of New York's academic building and infrastructure assets at 32 state-operated campuses and 3 teaching hospitals.

Our offices are located within the historic SUNY System Administration headquarters in downtown Albany, New York. Though officially named the H. Carl Mc Call SUNY Building, it is often referred to by locals as the, "D&H Building," or affectionately, "The Castle."

The Fund offices and the adjoining employee parking garage are just steps from the Hudson River, a short walk to the Capitol Building and the Empire Plaza, and a few minutes' drive to major highways including the Northway (Interstate 87) and the New York Thruway (Interstate 90).

Job Description:

The State University Construction Fund (Fund) is currently seeking an Associate Counsel to join our team at our office in Albany, NY.

The Associate Counsel will be responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the State University Construction Fund (Fund), in legal matters and transactions to ensure compliance with legal requirements, to support the Fund's strategic plans and mission, and to identify and creatively address potential legal issues/concerns.

Duties include advising the Fund on a broad range of legal issues to progress the Fund's mission, including procurement, design, construction, contract, insurance, real estate, MBE/WBE, environmental, legislation, litigation and employment issues.  The Associate Counsel will also provide management and administrative advice in addition to legal counsel and will report to the Fund Deputy Counsel (the Counsel).

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Represent the Fund or coordinate and direct outside counsel, including the Attorney General's Office, in connection with administrative proceedings, liens and litigation involving the Fund.
• Develop and revise appropriate legal strategy for the resolution of claims, disputes and the handling of trials/hearings.
• Conduct and manage necessary and appropriate discovery, hearings, trials, depositions, oral arguments, mediations, arbitrations and similar proceedings.
• Provide legal advice and opinions to Fund staff on State government issues, including but not limited to procurement, construction, insurance, environmental matters, labor relations and legislation.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a variety of agreements and associated documents to implement the Fund's billion dollar construction program.
• Create, update, analyze and manage forms and legal documents for the procurement and administration of construction, design, consultant and vendor services necessary for the delivery of the Fund's projects.
• Advise, communicate and confer with Fund and SUNY Campus staff in a variety of disciplines as part of a team, rendering clear, unambiguous legal opinions and advice to promote Fund objectives and resolve issues related to construction project implementation.
• Interact and negotiate with construction and consultant entities and insurance industry personnel.
• Keep the Counsel apprised of any significant legal and policy issues that may arise in connection with the various matters to which the Associate Counsel is assigned.
• Prepare legislation; render advice with respect to the formulation, coordination and execution of the Fund's legislative program, and prepare reports to the Governor with respect to legislation before him for action.
• Render legal advice with respect to general corporate matters such as FOIL requests, insurance matters, human resource concerns and systems issues.
• Supervise employees as required.
• Perform other duties/projects as requested by the Counsel and/or General Manager.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.  Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of New York at the time of hire and throughout employment.  Experience in construction law, public procurement, Contract Law, Litigation, insurance/surety law, employment law, personal injury, and government defense is preferred.

Applicants must be able to work well under pressure, be flexible and able to adapt and manage multiple wide-ranging matters and conflicting deadlines. The ability to proactively identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively is essential.

Applicants must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to oversee a project(s) or program(s) as necessary for completion. Exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary for success. Professional temperament and demeanor are essential traits.

Proficient in Microsoft Office. Travel may be required throughout New York State.

This position does not require a NYS Civil Service examination.

Additional Information:

Salary range:  $115,283 - $145,682 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including immediate participation in the NYS and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) with vesting after 5 years of service, Health Insurance (including Prescription, Dental, and Vision), vacation, sick, and personal time, 13 paid Federal holidays, paid parental leave, and telecommuting.

Note on Telecommuting:   Employees are eligible to request approval to telecommute a limited number of days per month after completing 6 months of service. Telecommuting approvals will be made in accordance with the Fund's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

The State University Construction Fund is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.

Application Instructions:

Please complete the application process using our online system.  You are not required to complete the employment application at this time. If you are selected to interview for this position, you will be asked to log back in to complete the employment application.

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