Senior Director of Legal Affairs

JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Senior Director of Legal Affairs provides leadership and oversight for all internal legal and compliance matters affecting the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures to ensure the organization’s compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The Director serves as the primary internal legal advisor to MATA’s executive leadership team, ensuring all agency activities are conducted within legal and ethical boundaries.

• Provides legal counsel and strategic advice to executive leadership and department directors on matters related to contracts, policies, employment, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding to ensure MATA’s interests are protected and consistent with applicable laws and policies.
• Develops and maintains internal policies, procedures, and compliance programs to align with FTA, DOT, and state requirements.
• Monitors legal developments affecting public transit and advises on potential impacts to MATA operations and governance.
• Leads internal investigations and provides recommendations for corrective actions where necessary.
• Oversees risk management practices, including insurance compliance, claims coordination, and mitigation strategies.
• Advises on labor and employment law compliance in coordination with Human Resources, including policy interpretation and employee relations guidance.
• Coordinates with departments to ensure compliance with open records requests, public information requirements, and records retention laws.
• Prepares legal reports, compliance updates, and presentations for executive management as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure MATA’s continued compliance and organizational integrity.

• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably within public administration, transportation, or a regulated industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in contracts, labor and employment law, administrative law, and public sector compliance.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and organizational transparency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and document management systems.
• Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.