GTEA (Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority) is searching for a General Counsel to lead its Legal Division. Under limited supervision, the General Counsel provides legal services to the Executive Director and the agency. The General Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director and provides legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making, and serves as a member of the Executive Director’s leadership team.

The General Counsel represents the agency in responding to inquiries and serves as legislative liaison on assigned issues. Proactively evaluates and communicates trends in legislation and state and federal regulations, and develops strategies and policies to address the issues that impact the agency effectively. The General Counsel coordinates with the Attorney General’s Office as necessary and leads all legal matters at the direction of the Authority and Executive Director.

Specific duties of the General Counsel include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Providing advice, counsel, and legal support to the Agency and Executive Director.
• Overseeing and directing the Commission’s legal team.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements; Maintaining an appropriate framework for internal control to evaluate and protect the agency’s interests and reduce risk.
• Developing, administering, and interpreting all policies and procedures.
• Overseeing the administration of the agency’s operations for compliance with applicable law.
• Providing legal and operational training to key stakeholders.
• Ensuring the agency’s compliance with open meetings and open records obligations.
• Serving as the Chief Ethics Officer for the Agency.
• Serving as the agency’s liaison to the Office of the Attorney General.
• Engaging with stakeholders to promote the agency’s objectives.
• Responds to the concerns of board members and legislators, establishes actions needed to resolve concerns, and ensures proper resolution of such concerns
• Establishes and maintains a close working knowledge of key transportation policy makers, including Senate and House Transportation subcommittee members; Georgia Transportation Commission members; public/private transportation organizations; and other officials.

Minimum Qualifications:
A law degree from an accredited university, and a qualification in good standing to practice law in Georgia. Minimum of 8 years of legal experience. Previous in-house experience and experience working in or with the transportation industry. Demonstrated ability to proactively identify, prioritize, and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively. Strong experience and competency in negotiating and drafting relevant business transactions. Aptitude for understanding the intent of legislation or proposed regulations and the effect on the agency. Persuasive partnering skills are highlighted by an ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues and key policy makers on challenging issues. Outstanding analytical and organizational skills. Sound business judgment and capacity to handle a variety of matters, conflicting deadlines, and changing agency priorities. Excellent oral and written communication skills.