Assistant Chief Counsel - Administration

Note for internal applicants: Successful candidates already at rates above the posted salary will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine final salary outcome.

Job Location: Central Office, 105 W Capital Ave, Jefferson City, Missouri. The successful candidate will be required to by physically located in the Jefferson City Office January 1 to June 1.

Why you’ll love this position:

MoDOT is a non-partisan state agency governed by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC); a constitutional bi-partisan commission appointed by the Governor consisting of high-profile business and civic leaders. MoDOT is responsible for the major transportation mode alternatives available to Missourians.

Reporting relationship: Assistant Chief Counsel reports to the Chief Counsel of MoDOT.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Assistant Chief Counsel supervises and directs legal activities related to assigned matters including litigation, training of staff, legislation and governmental relations.

What you’ll do:

• Intensive litigation practice in addition to mentoring of counsel who are growing into litigation roles. Conducts group and individual litigation-related trainings for counsel; develops internal and external fact and expert witnesses; prepares risk management, project development and other legal cases for depositions, hearings, trials, arbitrations and appeals.
• Conducts training of counsel and department staff on wide range of legal topics including litigation, sunshine law, contracts, human resources, safety and other matters.
• Primary legal contact on legislative matters and counsel with responsibility for contact and advice relating to proposed and existing legislation and governmental relations. Duties include fiscal note responses, amendment drafting as requested by governmental relations staff, legal review, analysis and explanation, legislative legal research, and bill review.
• Responsible for sunshine law administration, training of staff, and supervision of sunshine law request workflow.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to MoDOT engineers, technical staff and leadership, and supervises, as assigned, staff regarding cases and activities under his/her supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Admitted Member of the Missouri Bar Association.
• Over nine years of legal work as an attorney.

Preferred Qualifications:

An outstanding track record in managing complex and diverse internal operations as well as evidenced success at achieving real results.

Significant knowledge of legislative process and ability to analyze litigation and determine consequences of legislative changes to the department and commission.

At least five years of progressively responsible management experience. This should include:

• Proven leadership skills, including a positive history of working collaboratively to establish rapport and credibility among the staff and multiple stakeholders.
• Proven track record of effective use of organizational performance management practices, innovation, and accountability measures.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: A person of high personal integrity and compassion, and willingness to embrace and model MoDOT’s departmental values, who trusts and empowers employees, and who understands and fosters inclusiveness, equity, and authenticity in the workplace.

A results-oriented personality with strong energy and drive, who is an excellent public speaker, and who can exude a calm, but direct demeanor, when communicating tough decisions and in handling difficult situations.

A high degree of political acumen including tact, diplomacy, and the people skills necessary to negotiate with the various constituencies impacting the position and the work of the department.

More reasons to love this position:

MoDOT offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Visit our CAREERS page to explore all we have to offer. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for MoDOT, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found HERE.

At MoDOT you will play a key role in maintaining the seventh largest highway system in the United States. We value team players who are open-minded and work well with others to accomplish goals and fulfill our mission of safety, service, and stability. We see the growth of our team members as an investment, both in MoDOT's future and yours. If you're looking for diverse opportunities, challenging work, and a flexible environment, we want to talk to you about joining our winning team. MoDOT operates on shared values and your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values. CLICK HERE to view our mission, values, and tangible results. If you embrace these values, we welcome your application.

cohrmocareers@modot.mo.gov

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