The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and respectful of all perspectives and backgrounds. Our Mission is to finance and support world-class, professional sports venues and promote the region for sports-related events to enhance economic development and quality of life for residents.

The ideal General Counsel candidate will oversee all legal aspects related to the operation of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority including oversight of the almost $1 billion in public financing of Houston and Harris County’s premier sports and entertainment facilities including NRG Stadium, Daikin Park, and Toyota Center as well as events produced or supported by HCHSA. The candidate will provide thoughtful counsel and skilled and pro-active legal advice to HCHSA, serve as the legal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, review proposed policies and other work products, draft and negotiate contracts and other instruments. The candidate will also perform other legal related functions as requested or needed.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General Corporate Responsibilities

• Assist in revising and implementing organizational structures
• Craft key policies, procedures and positions on legal issues
• Act as the custodian of record for the Texas Public Information Act
• Contract for advice furnished by outside attorneys who possess special expertise and supervise and assist outside counsel with discovery and litigation
• Administer Interlocal Agreements and Lease Agreements with tenants, including the Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros
• Identify and analyze legal issues, prepare memoranda and key documents, present clear recommendations and assure compliance
• Assist in general administrative functions
• Assist the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and staff as directed

Public Finance

• Oversee public finance efforts from a legal perspective
• Oversee, manage, and monitor bonds in coordination with finance department and financial advisors
• Oversee and monitor compliance with continuing disclosures

Governance

• Provide legal counsel to HCHSA and Chief Executive Officer
• Prepare, evaluate, revise certificates of formation, bylaws, charters, resolutions, agendas and minutes of Boards of Directors and Committees
• Establish corporate authorities and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with governance structure, state law, corporate authorities and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Contracts and Solicitations

• Manage legal aspects of procurement including policy
• Draft and negotiate requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, requests for information, bids and agreements

Insurance and Risk Assessment

• Provide litigation/claims management
• Draft and negotiate agreements with insurance broker of record in coordination with finance department
• Participate in insurance procurement process and selection
• Ensure limited risk exposure while being sensitive to the responsibility of the corporate entities to determine acceptable levels of risk Monitor incident reports on a daily basis

Human Resources

• Address Human Resources issues and team member concerns
• Assist HR with implementation of the Employee Handbook
• Provide advice on benefit plans, including the 457(b)
• Consistently work with Human Resources to address all issues relating to employment law, discrimination, diversity and equal employment opportunity
• Provide legal guidance regarding Human Resources

Other General Legal Matters

• Prepare annual budget for the legal Department
• Manage litigation
• Prepare reports and presentations
• Other duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Jurisprudence Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing with the Texas State Bar
• Ten years or more of experience as a corporate attorney or general counsel with overall broad legal knowledge and specific experience in business organizations and municipal governmental law, transactional law, real estate matters and employment liability
• Five years’ experience in an organizational leadership role
• Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Computer literacy with ability to use common programs such as Microsoft Office suite, etc.
• Proven track record of strong ethical character
• Proven team leader with a high level of energy and self-motivation
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Counseling skills
• Exceptional communication skills including oral, written and listening
• Ability to motivate the legal team to produce quality work in tight timeframes
• Ability to facilitate and participate in group meetings
• Understanding, yet persuasive and decisive, when dealing with others in the organization
• Thorough understanding of occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• No major sources of discomfort; essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

To submit your application for this position, please send your resume and any related materials via email to: David Brady, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority: DBrady@HoustonSports.org

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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