Chief Legal Officer

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.

When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?

Position Summary:
Provides legal, strategic, and executive management services to the Port Commission, Chief Executive Officer, and Port Authority staff. Directs, represents, and provides strategic legal and executive leadership for the Port Authority. Provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the Legal division. Oversees internal and external legal and other division services, including leadership, direction, guidance, mentoring, and supervision to division staff. Acts as high-profile, senior-most legal representative of the Port Authority to the public, business partners, government agencies and officials, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide assistance, advice, and information on legal, governmental affairs, business, regulatory, strategic communications, and records matters to the Port Commission, Chief Executive Officer, leadership, and staff
• Lead and manage Legal division staff
• Represent and manage the representation of the Port Authority in transactions, disputes, and governmental, regulatory, legislative, and other matters
• Formulate objectives, plans, and programs for the Legal division and work with the Chief Executive Officer to integrate these into overall objectives, plans, and programs of the Port Authority
• Work with the Port Commission, Chief Executive Officer, leadership, and staff to formulate, execute, and communicate policies, procedures, and governmental and business initiatives
• Prepare, review, and/or approve agreements, contracts, pleadings, legislation, and other legal and business documents
• Provide strategic direction and manage lawsuits and legal claims
• Supervise and work with outside counsel and experts
• Formulate and manage the Legal division budget
• Supervise and assist with the preparation of agendas, briefing books, and minutes of the Port Commission and its committees and task forces
• Supervise Public Information Act compliance
• Supervise records management services for the Port Authority
• Provide assistance and information to Port Authority stakeholders
• Direct and supervise the Legal division’s research of legal, governmental, and business matters, formulation of opinions and advice, and preparation of memoranda regarding such matters
• Act in accordance with Port Authority core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties as required by the Port Commission and Chief Executive Officer and as requested by other staff

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and law degree from an accredited law school required
• 15+ years of related legal experience required
• Previous experience with an in-house legal team preferred
• Previous supervisory experience required
• Current license to practice law in the State of Texas required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Knowledge of legal, governmental affairs, and business and commercial matters
• Familiarity with public agency legal, regulatory, and policy requirements and responsibilities
• Critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Client, colleague, and stakeholder service skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Planning and organizational skills
• Project management skills
• Financial management skills
• Team participation skills

Key Competencies Required:

• Analytical Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Achieving Results
• Leading Through Vision and Values
• Technical Professional Knowledge
• Supervisor/Leadership Skills

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high.  To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers.  Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged.  Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government. 

Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.