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About the position
The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking a General Counsel to provide legal guidance and support to the agency. The EOHLC is dedicated to creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents. The General Counsel will report directly to the Secretary and will be responsible for advising on legal and policy issues, managing the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), and coordinating legal matters throughout the Secretariat and with the Governor's Office of Legal Counsel. This role requires a blend of legal, managerial, and policy expertise, as the General Counsel will represent the Secretary in various meetings and communicate with stakeholders regarding legal matters. The General Counsel will oversee the negotiation and approval of contracts and agreements between EOHLC and other entities, and will serve as the legal representative for disputes or lawsuits, coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General as necessary. The position involves providing legal advice on agency policies, initiatives, and the resolution of complex legal issues, particularly those related to housing law and tax law. The General Counsel will also draft legislation, regulations, and legal policies, ensuring compliance with state finance law and other legal requirements. In addition to legal responsibilities, the General Counsel will collaborate with senior management to set agency priorities and performance strategies, and will educate EOHLC staff on potential legal issues related to program administration. The role requires significant technical expertise in housing and community development programs, as well as outstanding communication skills and strategic acumen. The General Counsel will manage a team of 30 staff members, including direct supervision of 5 attorneys, and will play a key role in shaping the legal framework within which the EOHLC operates.
Responsibilities
- Advise the Secretary and staff on legal and policy issues.
- Supervise and manage the staff of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
- Coordinate legal matters and activities throughout the Secretariat and with the Governor's Office of Legal Counsel.
- Review official actions of the Secretary for legal adequacy.
- Participate in the negotiation and approval of contracts and agreements.
- Represent the Secretary in interagency and outside meetings regarding legal matters.
- Provide legal advice on agency policies and initiatives.
- Draft legislation and regulations for the Secretariat.
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda of law.
- Ensure compliance with state finance law requirements.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) Degree and a current license to practice law in Massachusetts.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience with housing and community development programs, with at least 5 years as legal counsel.
- Knowledge of state and federal housing and community development programs.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional judgment and strategic acumen.
- Significant technical expertise in housing law and tax law, particularly related to low income housing tax credits and rental assistance programs.
- Expertise in administrative law and state finance law.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in managing a legal team.
- Familiarity with the legislative process and regulatory promulgation.
- Ability to blend policy and programmatic concerns into legal advice.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Retirement savings plan options.
- Paid holidays and vacation time.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible work schedule options.
