General Counsel (Department of Metropolitan Development)

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Indianapolis and Marion County is seeking a qualified attorney to advise on policy development and to support department leadership on economic development and redevelopment initiatives. You will draft and review contracts, resolutions, and legal instruments, and provide guidance on zoning and land use matters in alignment with federal, state, and local laws.

The role requires strong research, writing, and communication skills, and will collaborate with multiple city departments and

Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited college or university is required.
• Valid license to practice law in Indiana is required.
• Extensive knowledge of state and local law, particularly as they affect economic development and local land use, is required.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of legal research and evaluation methodologies is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills are critical.

Responsibilities

• Handles complex research of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment, and issues legal opinions to inform policy decisions.
• Assists DMD senior leadership in developing policy.
• Reviews legal instruments and offers legal guidance for economic development initiatives under Indiana law, including tax incentives and municipal bonds.
• Prepares contracts, resolutions, ordinances, complaints, motions, briefs and other legal documents.
• Leads and facilitates department-wide projects as assigned.
• Provides legal counsel to the Department of Metropolitan Development on real estate development matters.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Regulatory compliance

Legal writing

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

This position is responsible for working with development partners using community development incentives to implement catalytic community and development projects. Provide insight and recommendations on policy development in order to align with federal, state and local programs, further DMD’s mission and vision of a thriving city. The position will work to leverage resources and ensure projects and programs are implemented effciently and in compliance with federal and local laws, regulations and guidelines. This position will work collaboratively with other city departments, other units of government, community partners and elected officials.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening all people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, equitable, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive and innovative community. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Handles complex research of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools, and issues legal opinions to the Department of Metropolitan Development to inform policy decisions.
• Assists DMD senior leadership in developing policy for DMD.
• Reviews legal instruments and offers legal guidance for economic development initiatives under Indiana Redevelopment Law, including Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, Payment in Leu of Taxes (PILOT), municipal bonds, and other related items.
• Prepares contracts, resolutions, ordinances, complaints, motions, briefs and other legal documents related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools.

• Leads and facilitates department wide projects initiates pertaining to statutorily defined procedures as assigned.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, provides legal counsel and guidance to the Department of Metropolitan Development pertaining to all aspects of real estate development, including any board of such department that makes recommendations to the City Council.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, drafts, negotiates, reviews, and advises on matters for major initiatives and special projects for DMD, the Mayor's Office and other agencies.
• With oversight by the Office of Corporation Counsel, drafts and negotiates project agreements, professional service agreements, leases, and renewals thereof, as well as provide legal advice concerning agreement disputes and terminations.
• Advise on matters related to the acquisition and disposition of real property interests by DMD.
• Advises other attorneys within the enterprise related to planning, land use, zoning, and redevelopment law, economic incentive tools.
• Research pertinent legal issues and draft memoranda summarizing findings.
• Review and draft City contracts and professional service agreements.
• Review and respond to various public record requests.
• Maintain current knowledge of municipal law and related subject areas.

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited college of university is required. Valid legal license to practice law in the State of Indiana is required. Extensive knowledge of state and local law, particularly as they affect economic development and local land use, is required. Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet various deadlines is required. Knowledge of legal research and evaluation methodologies is required. Excellent verbal and written communications skills is critical.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Knowledge of legislative process, the municipal code of Indianapolis/Marion County and experience in land use & zoning, and redevelopment law is preferred.

Working Conditions

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Conditions

1. Sitting at a desk the majority of the day
2. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds
3. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
4. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally