Assist General Counsel General

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel – Contracting serves as a key member of the Pueblo’s legal team. The responsibilities of the position cover a variety of legal matters that typically confront a tribal general counsel’s office, including providing a diverse range of legal advice to the Pueblo and its economic enterprises; ensuring the Pueblo’s legal and sovereign interests are protected; and serving as the primary contact and expert for the Pueblo’s contracting matters, subject to the direction and oversight of the General Counsel.

Our philosophy is built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. Meeting all performance standards leads to attracting and retaining a qualified workforce, provides opportunities for qualified team members, and contributes towards the ongoing success of the Pueblo of Sandia today and in the future.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of duties and responsibilities that may be required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work or required expertise is similar, related or a logical assignment.

1. Provide contract review for various types of agreements, including professional and master services agreements, independent contractor agreements, construction contracts, intergovernmental and grant agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and the like, for the Pueblo and its enterprises
2. Proofread, edit, and fact-check legal documents for accuracy and consistency.
3. Ensure consistency of contract terms with Pueblo contracting policies and goals.
4. Reduce contract risk and legal exposures.
5. Work within the Pueblo’s contract management and records storage systems efficiently.
6. Adhere to procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with the Pueblo’s policies.
7. Read and interpret existing contracts and provide guidance.
8. Handle a wide range of contracting legal matters.
9. Perform other duties as deemed necessary.
10. Provide legal advice, counsel and assistance to the Pueblo of Sandia, including its governmental and business entities, in relation to their duties and the operation of the Pueblo and its programs, projects, services, and commercial enterprises.
11. Work efficiently and effectively with other Pueblo departments to achieve the policy objectives of the Pueblo.
12. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility for all team members who are expected to report to work based upon the assigned schedule each day in accordance with the Attendance Policy for the Pueblo of Sandia.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Supports a single function and holds a position that does not supervise people but provides guidance to lower-level Team Members as needed.
2. May hold current licenses, certifications, specialized education, and possess stipulated technical expertise as required. Demonstrates advanced knowledge in all aspects of the specialized function.
3. Performs work as a highly skilled individual contributor and considered a subject matter expert within the peer set, particularly with problem-solving.
4. Critical thinking and the ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.

Key Performance Indicators

This position has Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) identified as a measurement of success. KPI’s will be shared with all team members who work in this job title and feedback will be provided regarding the successful completion of the KPI’s as part of the performance review process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Strong and demonstrated initiative, good judgment, creativity, and work ethic.
2. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well collegially.
3. Demonstrated willingness to accept unusual and challenging assignments and an ability identify successful strategies to obtain a desired result.
4. Highly independent and organized and able to manage a significant number of active matters simultaneously.
5. Skill in communicating and instructing others, using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide legal counsel and explanation to those for whom the subject matter is unfamiliar and/or difficult to understand.
6. Thorough knowledge of and commitment to professional ethics, particularly those rules that relate to the representation of governments.
7. Outstanding time management skills.

Education and Experience

Required:

1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
2. Seven (7) years of relevant contract law experience, preferably in business, governmental and Indian law environment.
3. At least three (3) years of direct experience in contract preparation, negotiation and contract management.
4. Highly independent and organized and able to manage a significant number of active matters simultaneously.
5. Excellent references with substantial personal knowledge of applicant’s legal abilities in contract law.

Preferred:

1. Experience working for or with tribal governments, law firm specializing in tribal law, or graduate of an Indian law program.
2. Working knowledge of federal Indian law, New Mexico law, and other relevant Federal and state regulations and policies that apply to tribal communities.

License/Certifications/Registrations

1. Must be a member in good standing and licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
2. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background investigation.
3. Will require a pre-employment and random drug screening.