Assistant Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

HCR is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

HCR Legal provides counsel across the agency’s offices and program areas, including with respect to financing and real estate transactions, litigation matters, administrative and regulatory issues, policy and legislation, and operations and governance. The team also encompasses the Tenant Protection Unit, which proactively enforces the State’s rent regulation laws.

HCR consists of : the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, the New York State Housing Finance Agency, the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, the Affordable Housing Corporation and the State of New York Municipal Bond Bank Agency (collectively, the “Agencies”).

The duties listed below relate to the work of the Agencies and will be undertaken under the direct supervision of the Agencies’ Associate Counsel for Operations.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Counsel will be primarily responsible for the legal work applicable to the Agencies’ operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Drafting procurement contracts, procurement contract amendments / renewals and agency real estate documents (e.g. office leasing);
• Updating the Agencies’ Standard Clauses for Contracts;
• Providing guidance in the updating of the Agencies’ Procurement and Contract Guidelines;
• Updating the Agencies’ Lobbying Law Policies in connection with procurements and contracts, when necessary;
• Reviewing procurement solicitation material;
• Reviewing contract-related board memos and drafting of accompanying resolutions;
• Providing legal advice in connection with procurement and contract related legislation, regulations;
• Serving as the legal representative on Agency committees in the review solicitation responses;
• Assisting with legal matters relating to minority and women owned business enterprises and service disabled veteran owned businesses;
• Assisting with other operations matters such as : office leasing; insurance requirements; budgetary discussions; and
• Carrying out such other legal duties as are necessary to be carried in the legal department, at the discretion of the Senior Vice President / General Counsel and the Deputy Counsel for Compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS :

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

What we offer at NYSHCR

Additional SONYMA / HFA / AHC Benefits :

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal :

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far-reaching, encompassing single- and multi-family housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.