Senior Counsel, Public Procurement & Contracts

NYC School Construction Authority (SCA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 131,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Prescription Drug Options

Dental & Vision Coverage

NYC Qualified Pension Plan

Optional Retirement Savings Plans (401

Transit Check Program

Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Competitive PTO benefits

Job summary

The Principal Attorney for Contract Administration at the NYC School Construction Authority provides legal advice on procurement, contracting, and compliance across construction, design, goods, and services for the authority. You will review, draft, and negotiate contract documents and advise on bidding methods while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and city laws.

You will supervise and coordinate with internal teams including Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate,

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar and current good standing.
• At least nine years of diverse legal experience, post bar admission in one of the following areas: business contracts, construction contracts or general litigation, or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on procurements and contracts for construction, design and engineering services, goods, and professional services.
• Draft, review, and negotiate solicitations, contracts, amendments, and related documents in compliance with applicable laws and SCA policies.
• Advise on procurement methods, competitive bidding, contract terms, approvals, and legal risks.
• Develop and update procurement policies, procedures, contract provisions, templates, and legal guidance.
• Advise on contractor responsibility, vendor integrity, conflicts of interest, contract performance, defaults, disputes, claims, remedies, and contract interpretation.
• Support audits, Board matters, oversight reviews, corrective actions, and procurement reporting.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and recommend changes to SCA policies and practices.
• Review and negotiate contract terms, exceptions to SCA standard terms, and insurance requirements.
• Prepare legal analyses and recommendations for the General Counsel and senior leadership on complex or sensitive matters.
• Coordinate procurement-related litigation, disputes, investigations, subpoenas, and records requests.
• Manage outside counsel, including litigation strategy, case oversight, risk assessment, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Conduct legal research and provide legal guidance and training to SCA staff.
• Serve as a primary legal advisor to Contract Administration and collaborate with Architecture and Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Finance, and other departments.
• Represent the Legal Department in procurement negotiations and discussions with contractors, consultants, vendors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Present legal recommendations to senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, auditors, and oversight entities as needed.
• Make recommendations on complex procurement and contracting matters, elevate high‑risk issues to the General Counsel, and support updates to the Contract Administration Manual of Policies and Procedures.
• Supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop direct reports, strengthening their ability to identify and address legal and contractual issues.

Skills

Public procurement experience

Government contracting

Construction law

Transactional matters

Legal research

Legal writing

Negotiation

Communication

MS Office

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

BARNY State

Job description

The Principal Attorney for Contract Administration at the NYC School Construction Authority provides legal advice on procurement, contracting, and compliance across construction, design, goods, and services for the authority. You will review, draft, and negotiate contract documents and advise on bidding methods while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and city laws.

You will supervise and coordinate with internal teams including Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate,