City Attorney - City of Blue Springs

The City of Blue Springs, a vibrant and diverse suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a City Attorney.

Under broad policy and guidance of the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator, the City Attorney serves as the City's Chief Legal Counsel. The City Attorney shall represent the City in all legal matters in which it is a party or is interested. The City Attorney shall perform a variety of complex, high-level professional, technical, and administrative work in consultation with and advising the Mayor and City Council, any committees, or members thereof, boards and commission, the City Administrator, department directors and other members of the city staff on various legal issues.

The City Attorney is responsible supervision of the City Prosecutor. Responsible for representation in Court proceedings or working with third-party attorneys retained on behalf of the City. Conducts legal research, reviews and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, conveyances, title/real estate transactions, and prepares other legal documents and performs other legal services as may be required from time to time.

The City Attorney is appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the entire City Council. The City Attorney reports to the Mayor with significant operational interaction with the City Administrator and other key City staff. The Mayor, City Council and City Administrator will conduct no less than one written and oral performance review annually, with the Mayor coordinating this process. The position supervises the City Prosecutor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Advises the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator of legal considerations and current and future trends; issues legal opinions, approves ordinances, resolutions, and contracts as to legal form; provides legal advice as to substance; gathers evidence in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions; interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for city officials and staff.

2. Thoroughly review and analyze contracts, agreements, and legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and city policies. Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with contractual obligations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand contract requirements and negotiate favorable terms. Provide training regarding the Contract approval process. Provide legal advice on contractual matters, addressing legal implications and potential risks. Stay informed regarding changes in relevant laws and regulations affecting the contract review process. Manages contracts for outside legal assistance as needed. Selects appropriate legal counsel as necessary.

3. Manages City's involvement in litigation as well as the coordination and/or interaction with additional third-party attorneys retained by the City.

4. Provides professional legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and department directors; makes presentations before the City Council, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the public. Attends City Council and Planning Commission meetings, Board of Zoning Adjustment, council work sessions, or other meetings that may be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Serves as liaison to the Human Relations Commission.

5. Assists in the preparation of annual city budget as it relates to legal functions. Is responsible for the development, submission, and oversight of the Legal Department budget and is required to interact with the Finance Department involving budget development, procurement of work-related items, and other finance and/or budget issues.

6. May assist in the review, analysis, and preparation of documents involving economic development projects and the use of incentives. As required, may attend economic development meetings, and serve as part of the City's negotiation team.

7. Attends meetings and professional conferences related to legal issues and city matters.

8. Assist Mayor, City Council and City Administrator with the resolution of constituent issues and complaints involving legal issues and potential litigation.

9. Coordinates/tracks local, regional, state, and federal legislative issues and activities on behalf of the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and staff. Reviews changes in state law and/or local law and recommends the appropriate action, policy, or legal changes on behalf of the organization. May be required to testify on behalf of local, state, or national legislation affecting Blue Springs or other municipal entities.

10. Reviews and responds to Sunshine Law records requests as needed by Departments. Serves as Department's Deputy Records Custodian to coordinate Sunshine Law and Records Management actions, develop departmental process to manage records, work with City's Records Manager to facilitate storage or disposition of inactive records, and educate departmental staff on Records Management and Sunshine Law.

11. Provides Public Official Liability training.

12. May be required to complete other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Special License(s)/Certifications – Juris Doctorate Degree required. State of Missouri license to practice law required.

2. Five years of active legal practice experience is required. Emphasis in municipal government law is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of municipal law, intergovernmental relationships, municipal court and prosecution, real estate contracts, insurance litigation, rezoning and land use law, public works contract law, incentivized economic development, and condemnation.

• Ability to research and gather information on critical issues to determine legal positions. Skills in conducting legal research and formulating solutions and recommendations.

• Exceptional skills in negotiation, written and oral communications and legal document drafting, supervision, and budget preparation.

• Technical Skills – Must have adequate skill to understand and operate assigned personal computer. Familiar with Microsoft products.

Must have the capacity and demonstrated ability to: Develop, implement, and manage a strategic plan for the position; work with the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator to gain overall guidance and direction in the conduct of duties; interact with department personnel to provide quality services and to satisfy operational needs; work with private attorneys, prosecutors, consultants, and other executive level professionals; provide subject-matter expertise in terms of training subordinate staff, providing information to City staff, and making presentations of plans and ideas to City Council and Administration; manage multiple projects and issues to ensure completion of assigned tasks; and understand and apply specific legal and City requirements, policies, and procedures when completing assigned tasks.

Supervisory Responsibility: Provides direct supervision of City Prosecutor and Administrative Assistants, assigned professional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff. May supervise additional staff and/or manage projects assigned by the Mayor, City Council or City Administrator.

THE CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

The City of Blue Springs, Missouri is governed in accordance with a home rule charter city in which the citizens elect the Mayor and six council members from three geographic districts. Under the home rule charter, all policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the City Council. The governing body is responsible for passing ordinances, adopting the annual budget and tax levy, and appointing committees. The City Administrator, as the city's chief administrative officer, is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances adopted by the City Council, overseeing day-to-day operations, and appointing the directors of the various city departments.

The City of Blue Springs provides a full range of municipal services including police protection; water and sanitary sewerage utilities; planning, construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and infrastructure; community planning and development; planning, maintenance, and construction of parks facilities; recreational activities; youth outreach programs; “50-Plus” social services; and general administrative oversight.

The City is recognized as a community of choice for many reasons:

• Blue Springs is known for its favorable housing market, award-winning schools, and its designation as a preferred place to live for commuters.

• An average annual growth rate of 1.5% per year means that more people than ever are making Blue Springs their community of choice.

• Blue Springs' geographic location proximity to Kansas City makes it an attractive residential area and a hub for commerce.

• Blue Springs takes pride in its nationally recognized park system, featuring 22 city parks, where residents can enjoy beautiful landscapes and take part in recreation activities.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Confidential inquiries are welcome by contacting Amy Willyard, Human Resources awillyard @ bluespringsgov.com.

The City anticipates a 90-120 day selection and hiring process which will include video, in-person, and panel interviews. Candidate travel will be reimbursed.

The City of Blue Springs is an organization that strives to embrace the spirit of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which all individuals have access to the City's facilities. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.