Overview
Job Summary
This position is responsible for coordinating NJEDA’s statutorily mandated responses to requests for public information, complex discovery demands and subpoenas, performing legal due diligence on Authority’s applicants and vendors, and handling other relevant legal issues.
$76,206 – $84,673
Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the “New Jersey First Act”, which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as Open Public Records Custodian or assistant Open Public Records Custodian; coordinates and administers EDA’s response to public record requests through the gathering and culling of information and the establishment of relationships with requestors, co-workers, and deputy attorneys general to meet EDA’s obligations under the Open Public Records Act and common law right-to-know. Assigns and oversees routine work of Public Affairs Coordinator related to OPRA requests. Assigns and oversees the work of additional EDA staff when necessary to respond to complex discovery demands, subpoenas or OPRA requests.
- Serves as point person for ‘Service of Process’; responsible for generating and coordinating EDA documents in response to subpoenas stemming from litigation or investigations both private and governmental. Also serves as point person for investigatory agencies. Negotiates scope of documents provided as part of the litigation and investigatory process.
- Performs legal reviews of the Authority’s applicants and vendors to ensure compliance with Authority’s Disqualification/Debarment Regulations, set forth in N.J.A.C. 19:30-2.1, et seq., as well as Executive Order 34 (Byrne 1976) and Executive Order 189 (Kean 1988).
- Reviews and evaluates disclosures by applicants/vendors regarding litigation, administrative and regulatory matters to determine whether grounds for disqualification, debarment or suspension exist.
- Performs independent research through various databases, as well as general internet searches, and reviews available public records to verify veracity of information provided by applicants/vendors.
- Prepares and submits written board memoranda, providing thorough analysis and recommendations for Board action, and may be required to present recommendations in open public meetings.
- Serves as Hearing Officer for Authority on bid protests and/or appeals from declinations of applications for financial assistance; reviews appeal documents, determines factual and legal bases for appeal, and drafts written recommendation.
- Assists Director, Legal Affairs in overseeing the work of the team of Legal Affairs Officers handling legal reviews and other legal matters; reviews and edits work product, as necessary.
- Assists in reviewing legislation and drafting regulations, as necessary.
- Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
- Must complete annual and semiannual self-assessment as required.
- Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Abilities
- Must possess advanced research ability and information technology skills, as well as excellent analytical skills.
- Must have familiarity with various types of corporate litigation and regulatory matters, as well as knowledge of government, business or industry.
- Working knowledge of OPRA and/or handling responses to subpoenas and discovery requests.
- Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate effectively with general public, news media and various professionals.
- Experience in public information and/or corporate communication.
- Ability to work independently and with professionals of various disciplines as well as staff at various levels.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff.
- Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn new software packages.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelors’ degree; Juris doctor required.
- Experience reviewing legal documents and use of third-party legal software (e.g. Lexis-Nexis).
- Relevant government and/or law enforcement experience
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in a legal capacity or in a professional/ management position and/or equivalent professional experience
- Prior experience as a law clerk or paralegal desired
Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience. Physical Demands
- Minimal
- Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed
Travel
- As necessary to events, meetings, businesses,
Certificates and Licenses Required
- License: Staff are required to possess a valid driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.
- Admission to the Bar of the State of New Jersey
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.
This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.
NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Position Requirements
- Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
- Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
- Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
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