Director - Lead Attorney Real Estate

Build your career while building NYC schools!

The New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) builds and renovates public schools throughout all of the boroughs. We believe that schools should be efficiently designed and constructed; they should be safe, attractive and environmentally sound. The SCA’s responsibilities span the life of each project (new schools, additions, and capital improvements to existing schools) from planning, real estate, budgeting, scoping, and designing, to construction completion.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Director Lead Attorney, Real Estate who will report to the General Counsel and is responsible for providing legal guidance and recommendations on legal strategies and challenges facing the NYC School Construction Authority regarding real property transactions, developer deals, leasing and other land use actions.

In this role, you will be serving as lead real estate leasing and transaction counsel concerning property for the purpose of building, expanding or rehabilitating NYC public schools and related locations. Independently negotiating and drafting leases, purchase and sale agreements, and various other complex commercial real estate documents, including lease amendments, ground leases, condominium documents, assignments of leases; SNDAs; easements, MOUs, ZLDAs, restrictive declarations, and other documents.

Conducting legal research and providing counsel to Real Estate Services staff, Landlord-Tenant Relations staff, the New York City Department of Education; and SCA senior management regarding all real estate matters. Leading and managing a team. Reviewing and approving zoning waivers, zoning exhibits, and other real estate documents. Supporting and attending public review hearings. Representing the SCA in real estate disputes. Conducting legal research and writing memoranda to provide guidance and recommendations to SCA staff. Using a strategic, proactive approach in supporting the SCA’s mission by timely identifying, actively pursuing, and closing on issues affecting the SCA. Developing and recommending policies and protocols to streamline and standardize work processes. Assisting the General Counsel with other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications Required:  A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, admission to the NYS Bar, and 12 years of progressive, full-time experience in the areas of commercial/municipal real estate, land use, contracts, or related fields. At least 5 years of leadership/managerial experience required. Excellent written and oral communication skills; problem solving, negotiation and drafting skills, as well as exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills. Working knowledge of the Public Authorities Law and the rules and regulations governing the disposition of property in New York City and New York State. Experience with construction law and familiarity with construction contracts preferred.

We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; retirement savings plans including pension, 401K, 457 and IRA options and generous paid time off are just a sample of our benefits. Salary range is $131,026.00 - $177,062.00 depending on experience.

Visit our website https://nycsca.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Career_Site & apply to Job R-FY23-22

New York City School Construction Authority is an equal opportunity employer.