Senior Legal Counsel

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) oversees capital projects undertaken by state agencies and state-supported institutions of higher education; manages Ohio's school facility programs which provide support for the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools; and administers the funding for community-based cultural and sports facilities projects

Duties

Who We Are:

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) oversees capital projects undertaken by state agencies and state-supported higher education institutions; manages Ohio's school facility programs which support the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools; and administers the funding for community-based cultural and sports facilities projects.

The Commission sets uniform rules, procedures, and standardized documents for state construction under Chapter 153.

The legislature established the Commission in 2012 with the merger of the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) and the former Office of State Architect. In 2013, the Commission undertook oversight of the cultural facilities grants program. In 2017, the legislature further folded all OSFC duties and responsibilities into the Commission, consolidating guidance and oversight for its various programs into one entity.

In 2021, the Commission celebrated 100 years of public construction in the Buckeye State.

What We Do:

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission oversees capital projects undertaken by state agencies and state-supported institutions of higher education; manages Ohio's school facility programs which provide support for the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools; and administers the funding for community-based cultural and sports facilities projects.

• Provides a full range of legal advice and services to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (i.e., OFCC)
• Assists the Chief Legal Counsel in the development and implementation of legal strategies & policies for OFCC
• Drafts legal memoranda addressing research of legal issues affecting OFCC & provides interpretations of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code, & other legal requirements & authorities affecting OFCC programs
• Drafts & finalizes agreements & other legal documents with various individuals, businesses, school districts, & governmental entities that participate in OFCC programs
• Monitors & assists with various litigation proceedings
• Reviews new legislation to keep OFCC apprised of significant statutory changes relating to OFCC; assists in drafting legislation & administrative code rules as required
• Attend meetings with OFCC staff.
• Assists in the oversight of major claims review process
• Drafts form agreements & documents reflecting OFCC legal policy as applied to OFCC programs
• Assists in coordination of OFCC representation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
• Answers legal inquiries from government officials &/or the public regarding OFCC programs
• Assist staff in resolving complex questions of law
• Prepares & delivers speeches & legal training for OFCC personnel private businesses, public interest groups & other state agencies
• Reviews, compiles & responds to document requests received by OFCC
• Other related duties as assigned

Salary

• $60 - $62

Qualifications

7+ years of legal counsel experience

4+ years of construction law experience

Public construction experience is a bonus

Knowledge of: (1) law (i.e., procedural and substantive); (2) legal research methods; (3) legal writing; (4) interviewing; laws, rules, and procedures applicable to operations of employing agency; (5) management supervisory principles/techniques.

Skills with: (6) typing; (7) word processing using Microsoft Word; (8) equipment operation copier, computer.

Ability to (9) deal with a large number of variables and determine the specific source of action; (10) organize an extensive variety of legal material in books, journals, or legal documents; (11) communicate verbally regarding legal issues; (12) handle sensitive contacts with government officials, adverse parties and/or public; (13) resolve complaints from angry citizens and/or government officials

Other Information

OFCC is committed to providing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any point during the interview process, please contact emily.curnutte@ofcc.ohio.gov.

If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by one of our HR Representatives. The interview format for this position will be a mix of in-person and virtual (video) interviews.

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as workplaces free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In accordance with State policy and Federal regulations, all employees and applicants are guaranteed a hiring process free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, parental status, disability status, age, and military/veteran status

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Benefits

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.