Director of Contracts

JOB CODE: 3323

PAY GRADE: 2290

SALARY RANGE: $92,671 - $145,294

LOCATION OF WORK
Parish Attorney

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Parish Attorney, performs highly responsible legal and administrative work planning and directing all functions of the contracts section of the Parish Attorney's Office. Work involves representing the City-Parish in litigation, providing legal advice, and reviewing, drafting, negotiating, authorizing, and approving all contracts for the City-Parish and its agencies. Incumbents are responsible for advising on public bid law and the public bid process, handling franchise agreements, leases, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), cooperative endeavor agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and participating in grant reviews. Supervises subordinate staff and specific aspects of the representation process. Performs work with professional independence and is evaluated periodically through conferences on major legal issues confronting the City-Parish. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Oversees administrative functions and establishes policies and procedures for the contracts section, legal support, and clerical staff. Prepares legal opinions and memoranda; conducts research on relevant laws. Attends meetings with the Administration, Metro Council, committees, department leaders, and staff; provides legal advice related to the contracts section of the office. Acts as a liaison between public agencies, departments, and the public as requested. Develops and provides recommendations on insurance limits for contractors, in collaboration with the Director of Litigation & Risk Management. Represents the City-Parish in negotiations with private developers, non-profits, and various government agencies, as directed. Develops annual budget requests for the contracts section for submission to the Parish Attorney. Advises the Parish Attorney on any and all issues and developments that arise in the contracts section. Performs administrative tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of civil, city, parish, state, and federal laws and precedents, with particular reference to their effect on City-Parish government and its operations. Knowledge of principles and methods of administration, organization, and supervision. Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research. Knowledge of applicable local and state laws pertaining to subject matters related to the contracts section. Ability to analyze legal issues, facts, evidence, and precedents in highly complex contracts and present such materials effectively in oral and written form. Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of a staff of professional and clerical employees. Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge to legal problems. Ability to prepare contracts and other documents. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with City-Parish officials, the judicial system, other government agencies, and the public. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to individuals and to groups. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City-Parish officials, and the public.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS