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- Job Description
If you are a visionary attorney with a passion for community and economic development, then join the Iowa Economic Development Authority | Iowa Finance Authority as our Chief Legal Counsel.
About Us:
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) collaborate to make Iowa the choice for people to call home and for businesses to flourish. IEDA supports business and community growth through various state and federal programs, helping startups, rural communities, and disaster recovery efforts. IFA focuses on improving Iowans' lives by offering programs for affordable housing, community development, and water quality, and assisting first-time homebuyers. Collectively, through our programs and efforts, IEDA|IFA creates opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses to thrive.
About this Opportunity:
As the Chief Legal Counsel, you will be the cornerstone of our legal operations, providing strategic leadership and guidance. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our programs and initiatives comply with state and federal laws, while fostering relationships with key stakeholders. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on Iowa's economic landscape.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership & Strategy: Serve as the Chief Counsel for the organization. Develop and implement legal policies and procedures that drive our mission forward.
- Advisory Role: Provide expert legal counsel to the Director, senior leadership, and program leaders, influencing key decisions and strategies.
- Representation: Represent IEDA and/or IFA in meetings with state and federal leaders, executives, and business representatives.
- Contract Management: Negotiate, review, and draft contracts and documents, including inter-agency agreements, ensuring they align with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
- Legislation & Policy: Lead the drafting of impactful legislation and rules, shaping the future of community and economic development in Iowa.
- Board Counsel: Serve as the trusted legal advisor to assigned IEDA and IFA boards and committees.
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a talented legal team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Oversee the management of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) team.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Extensive legal practice experience, including contract negotiation, review, and drafting.
- Experience providing legal advice and policy guidance to senior leadership and executives.
- Strong strategic decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to lead, mentor, and direct a team.
- Dedication to uphold our Core Values:
Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.
Overlapping Appointment: Start date no sooner than August 25, 2025 to allow for an overlap.
New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone - competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled outdoor adventures.
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits packagethat includes:- Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
- Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
- Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
- Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
- Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.
To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.
The Chief Legal Counsel position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a General Counsel Supervisor and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.- Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation from an accredited law school, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in the practice of law.
- Graduation from an accredited law school, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in the practice of law in the employing agency.
- $116,084.80 - $165,110.40/year
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