Chief Legal Officer

Position Summary:

Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and committed attorney to serve as Chief Legal Officer (CLO). PCC is the largest provider of public and affordable housing in the City of Bridgeport and plays a vital role in preserving and expanding housing opportunities for low-income residents. In collaboration with community-based organizations, PCC provides safe, quality housing and supportive services to enhance residents' quality of life.

The CLO will lead, coordinate, and supervise all legal functions of the agency, providing legal counsel and representation on a wide range of matters including housing, labor and employment law, evictions, redevelopment, administrative law, disability rights and compliance. This position reports directly to the CEO and serves as a critical member of the executive leadership team. The CLO is also the primary point of contact for outside counsel and will serve as a legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners.

Key Duties/Essential Job Functions:

Legal Strategy & Oversight

• Provide legal leadership, vision, and direction for the agency’s legal matters, ensuring alignment with PCC’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal legal policies and practices to support high-quality, impactful service delivery.
• Advise senior leadership on agency operations, regulatory compliance, housing law, litigation strategy, and risk mitigation.

Labor Relations & Union Matters

• Lead negotiations of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and represent PCC in labor-management meetings.
• Handle and respond to union grievances, unfair labor practice complaints, and related disputes, including litigation or arbitration as needed.
• Serve as the agency’s legal representative in all labor-related negotiations and proceedings

Litigation & Legal Compliance

• Oversee and manage civil litigation matters, including landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, fair housing complaints, and employment actions.
• Respond to and manage legal processes involving reasonable accommodation requests, FOIA requests, FHEO inquiries, and internal investigations.
• Serve as liaison to outside contract attorneys for matters involving general legal advice, evictions, real estate transactions, labor law, and litigation. 

Supervision & Departmental Management

• Supervise legal staff and ensure legal department operations are in alignment with PCCs vision and mission.
• Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Oversee department hiring, onboarding, retention, and performance management.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders, including community-based organizations, city agencies, and legal service providers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners to support eviction prevention, fair housing advocacy, and systemic reform efforts.
  

Policy Development & Advocacy

• Draft, review, and revise agency policies, contracts, and agreements.
• Provide legal expertise in the development of new housing initiatives and redevelopment activities.
• Ensure that PCC's operations comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including HUD rules and guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education/Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the Connecticut Bar.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible legal experience, with demonstrated expertise in housing law, civil litigation, landlord-tenant matters, labor/employment law, and public administration.
• Experience negotiating and litigating union grievances and collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong knowledge of laws relevant to public housing, housing development, family law, fair housing, benefits, immigration, and impact litigation.
• Proven litigation experience, including motion practice, discovery, trials, and appellate work.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, sound legal judgment, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to complex legal issues.
  

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and files. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, with occasional walking and standing. May require occasional lifting of files, documents or office equipment up to 15 pounds. Ability to travel to off-site meetings, hearings, court proceedings, or professional development events.