Salary: $233,233.64 – $335,856.43 Annually
Location : Hybrid; Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: At-Will
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 00442
Division: Legal
Department: Legal Services
Opening Date: 08/23/2023
Closing Date: 9/27/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a seasoned legal strategist to serve as its next Chief Counsel. With extensive knowledge of a broad range of legal matters including transportation, planning, housing, land use, and public agency governance, the Chief Counsel will provide guidance and advice to the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, various SCAG Committees, and other members of the executive leadership team, while providing day-to-day oversight to a small and highly qualified legal team. The successful candidate will thrive and excel in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to address complex issues with a sense of urgency, while being a collaborative and supportive manager with a commitment to fostering a team environment. Unquestionable personal integrity and strong ethics combined with a collaborative leadership style and a problem-solving approach are considered vital for success in this role.
The Legal Services Division consists of three full-time attorney positions, plus an administrative assistant, who support 200+ employees and serve as the definitive internal strategic legal resource to the Agency. The Legal Services Division’s mission is to capably and efficiently provide high quality legal assistance to the organization, while also offering creative solutions to advance operational goals.
For more information, please refer to the recruitment brochure here.
Interested candidates should apply no later than Wednesday, September 27, 2023 by submitting a comprehensive résumé and a compelling cover letter to apply@ralphandersen.com. Ralph Andersen & Associates will conduct preliminary interviews as resumes are received and screened. Confidential inquiries should be directed to Ms. Heather Renschler, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at (916) 630- 4900 or request an appointment to discuss further by contacting scheduling@ralphandersen.com.
The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as “see resume or application” will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.
Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We strive to embrace and actively support an inclusive and diverse work environment where the personal dignity of each person is recognized, valued, and celebrated. To achieve this objective, we must hire, retain, and inspire the right people to do the right work. Each member of the workforce is charged with contributing diversity of thought through intersectional identities and experiences.
The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $150,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.
Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.
Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.
Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.
Holidays
Employees receive 9 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.
Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.
0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours
Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.
Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.
Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.
Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.
Other Benefits
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,500 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.