Senior General Counsel - Public Trust & Real Estate

Governors Island Corporation d/b/a The Trust for Governors Island; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision/ life insurance

Retirement plan with company matched

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Trust for Governors Island seeks a General Counsel to lead legal and compliance matters, advise the President & CEO, and manage in‑house staff and outside counsel. You will steer real estate transactions, contracts, governance, and risk management for the organization located on Governors Island.

All positions are in‑person four days a week with one remote day. The role offers a generous benefits package and a salary range of $210k–$225k, with opportunities to shape public space and cultural

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school required; NYS Bar admission required.
• At least ten years with progressively increasing responsibilities at a law firm and/or in‑house at a corporate, not‑for‑profit, or government organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as TGI’s lead attorney, develop positions and strategies relating to all TGI legal matters.
• Participate as a key member of senior staff regarding major business transactions, organizational policies, and long‑term business & programmatic strategies.
• Draft and negotiate all documents required for real estate transactions and other public‑private partnerships, including ground and space leases for the Island.
• Negotiate and review construction contracts, service agreements, event and other permits, licenses and concession agreements.
• Provide full‑spectrum counsel on major capital, operational & programmatic matters, such as the Trust’s multi‑year capital‑development portfolio (design & construction).
• Function as Secretary of TGI’s Board, and work with staff to prepare Board of Director’s meeting agendas, minutes, resolutions, reports and other relevant materials.

Skills

Communication skills

Writing skills

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Government procedures

Risk management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

NYS Bar admission

Job description

The Trust for Governors Island seeks a General Counsel to lead legal and compliance matters, advise the President & CEO, and manage in‑house staff and outside counsel. You will steer real estate transactions, contracts, governance, and risk management for the organization located on Governors Island.

All positions are in‑person four days a week with one remote day. The role offers a generous benefits package and a salary range of $210k–$225k, with opportunities to shape public space and cultural