General Counsel

This position is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction as it relates to the Authority’s government affairs as well as legal responsibilities and rights. The incumbent for the position serves as a member of the Executive Management Team, reporting to the Executive Director/CEO. This is a senior management position providing policy-level assistance in the management, development, operation of the airport’s ancillary facilities and legal services for the benefit of the airport. The General Counsel office provides legal assistance to the airport’s staff, leadership and board of directors related to airport business.

Essential Functions

Government Affairs

Conducts advocacy efforts for government relations in the U.S. at the state and federal levels.

Provides input into and implements legislative and policy initiatives and strategies related to industry and community specific issues of interest to the Authority at any level of government; drafts, negotiates, and advocates positions through white papers, testimonies, public comment responses, proposed legislation, and other appropriate activities.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with legislators, authorities, and heads of regulatory agencies; provides input into and implements government affairs strategies to enhance the organization’s image amount governmental authorities.

Establishes rapport with industry associations and trade organizations to ensure representation of the Authority’s interests; participates in industry and trade groups to develop and advocate for common industry positions.

Works with the business to understand its goals and objectives to ensure that government relations activities are aligned to the business; identifies risk to the enterprise from government actions.

Complies with all laws, regulations, and ethical concerns within government relations activities and broadly across the organization.

Develops position papers and discussion guides for those who act as an external spokesperson with public policy stakeholders for the company; speaks at external and internal meetings regarding public policy issues and activities

Develops an awareness of and suggests sponsorship opportunities at all levels of government; provides input into marketing initiatives in the State.

Understands all activities with Government Relations; maintains strong relationships with outside consulting firms in areas of jurisdiction.

Manages government relations continuous process improvements to mitigate risks throughout the organization.

Develops, leads, and motivates staff; sets goals in training and development, performance, and career planning.

Operations Management

Implements the goals, objectives, and procedures established in coordination with the Executive Director/CEO. Carries out directives and policies of the Executive Director / CEO.

Assists the Executive Director / CEO in the formulation of policy concerning legal affairs

Supervises lease and contract negotiations between IAA and the airlines, the FAA, and other airport tenants

Manages, coordinates and oversees all legal activities of the airport, retains outside counsel and manages their assignments

Performs legal work on behalf of and represents the airport in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings to the extent permitted by the overall responsibilities of the position

Negotiates the purchase of real estate to be acquired by the airport and prepares or reviews all appropriate legal documents to close the transaction

Provides consultation to airport staff and Board on general legal questions that arise in the daily administrative operation of the airport

Participates in the planning and development of airport facilities

Reviews and finalizes the preparation of all legal documentation submitted to the Board for approval

Participates in the promotion of aviation activities in the community and the development of airport facilities

Provides assistance, as necessary, in the solution of large and complex complaints, investigations, and other discrepancies or problems through effective operational policy interpretation, in accordance with Authority interests.

Consults on the establishment of operating rules and regulations relating to the use of airport buildings, grounds, and services. Determines priorities and directs the implementation of corresponding activities.

Consults in the planning, interpretation, and administration of leases, permits, and contractual agreements for the use of airport facilities, services, and the occupancy of airport space.

Grants

Provides strategic direction and oversight of the Authority’s grant funding, ensuring appropriate management of projects in compliance with various grant requirements.

Works with professional associations and government affairs professionals to plan and implement legislation efforts aimed at increasing grant participation.

Leadership and Performance Management

Represents the organization, both internally and externally, by supporting the strategic direction, strategic priorities, objectives, vision, mission, and values of the Authority.

Establishes and communicates reasonable standards of performance. Continually evaluates the performance of subordinates and provides constructive guidance for improvement and development.

Instills teamwork and loyalty. Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goals.

Organizes and plans departmental and/or functional activities. Anticipates needs, forecasts results, analyzes and organizes work processes and procedures, and delegates assignments and/or work tasks for results.

Works with community leaders, Board members, politicians, and business leaders, as necessary, to carry out the Authority’s stated goals.

Provide oversight and direction to direct reports.

Coach, counsel, mentor and develop direct reports, including oversight of performance reviews and providing career development planning and opportunities.

Empower direct reports to take responsibility for their job and goals, delegating responsibility and expecting regular feedback and accountability.

Lead direct reports to regularly exercise the organizations five (5) Strategic Pillars of Customer Service, Economic Development, Stability & Sustainability, Workforce Development and Community Engagement.

Any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration or a closely related field

Graduation from an accredited law school with a JD Degree and admission in good standing to the practice of law in Indiana.

Twelve to fifteen years (12-15) of extensive management experience with exposure to contract administration, property management and airport management

Understanding of political process and political advocacy techniques

Background in legislative research and legislative history

At least 5 years of experience managing legal work

Minimum three to five (3-5) years’ experience in supervising direct reports.

Knowledge of federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations governing the administration of airports and with Indiana law.

Ability to engage in long range planning

Ability to perform the physical and cognitive tasks outlined in the job description

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position

Ability to act independently and to lead in a complex and dynamic environment.

Strong negotiating, problem solving, and oral and written communication skills are required.

Must possess a positive attitude, be customer focused, and be able to work well with others in a team environment.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Ability to perform all the essential functions of the job without creating a direct threat to the safety of oneself or others.

Physical Requirements

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex information, data, and designs.

Ability to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods.

Ability to formulate and monitor the performance of strategic plans.

Ability to use standard work aids, including computers, phones, etc.

Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle

Write, talk, see, hear

Operate airport radio and telephone

Climb ladders and stairs

Work Environment

Work independently and as a member of a team

Work usually done in a typical office environment, with possible occasional exposure to outdoor elements

Work extended, continuous schedules

Multiple work sites

Frequent changes in work schedule

Direct Reports

Assistant Counsel

Responsible for providing the General Counsel with a high level of support

Executive Assistant

Responsible for providing the Director and related staff with a high level of secretarial and administrative support

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.