General Counsel

Role Title: General Counsel

Salary Range:  $175,000 - $220,000
Classification: Full-time, Exempt; Non-Represented
Location and hours: Seattle, WA; In person and eligible for telework

Organizational Overview

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is a public administrative agency that oversees homelessness-related programs and funding in the Seattle-King County region. Created by an interlocal agreement between the City of Seattle and King County in 2019, KCRHA is responsible for unifying and coordinating the homelessness response system across our large and diverse region. KCRHA works with a wide range of stakeholders, with a focus on continuous improvement across the system, centering lived experience and making the most effective use of public funds. Our mission is to address and bring everyone inside throughout King County using equity and social justice principles.

Role Description

The General Counsel reports to the Deputy CEO and provides comprehensive legal guidance and strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team to advance the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s mission to address homelessness in King County. This role ensures organizational compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, supports policy and governance, oversees contracts and partnerships, and proactively manages legal risks associated with the Authority’s operations.

Accountabilities

 

Legal Advisory and Compliance

• Act as the primary legal advisor, offering counsel on all legal matters related to the Authority’s operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly those related to housing, homelessness, and public sector obligations.
• Advise on new and proposed legislation impacting homelessness policies, funding, and service delivery.

 

Contracts and Agreements

• Collaborate with staff to draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, data sharing agreements, and agreements with service providers, government entities, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure contracts align with the Authority’s mission, protect its interests, and comply with legal standards.
• Oversee legal aspects of procurement, grants, and vendor management.

 

Risk Management and Litigation

• Develop and implement strategies to minimize legal exposure and liability.
• Represent or manage representation for the Authority in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, and administrative hearings.
• Provide support for managing claims, grievances, or disputes involving the organization or its partners.

Policy and Governance

• Advise executive leadership and the board on governance, ethics, and compliance issues.
• Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance accountability and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as custodian of the Authority’s bylaws and other key governance documents.
• Conduct training sessions to guide staff on legal issues relevant to their roles, including compliance, ethics, and contract management.

Interagency Collaboration and Advocacy

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, including city and county departments, to advance shared objectives in homelessness response.
• Provide legal support for partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and other housing authorities.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts by offering legal perspectives on policies and legislation affecting homelessness.
• Conduct training sessions to guide staff on legal issues relevant to their roles, including compliance, ethics, and contract management.

 

Minimum Requirements

• Deep fluency in equity and racial justice concepts and language, understands their own privilege and power and can bring equity impact analysis to their work. Practiced sharing power across an organization.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Washington State.
• Experience in housing, homelessness law, public policy, or a related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state housing laws, municipal law, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community members.

• Ability to develop ideas and perform the implementation steps to achieve results.
• Ability to remain solution-focused and respectful in all interactions with staff, coworkers, vendors, and clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

 

Additional Requirements

• Experience with and understanding of the causes of homelessness and best practice solutions to create housing justice.
• Experience in the homelessness or housing sector specifically with government and community stakeholders in King County is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills: able to quickly establish credibility to develop and manage conflict to have productive relationships with internal and external individuals and agencies.
• Ability to influence and partner cross-functionally with leaders, community partners and teams.

 

Benefits

The KCRHA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Insurance: Life insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.

Retirement: Pension and Deferred Compensations Plan for eligible employees.

Paid Time Off: Unlimited vacation, 96 hours of paid sick and safe leave, 12 official holidays, and 2 personal holidays.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

EEO Statement

The KCRHA is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, nationality, national origin, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The KCRHA will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary

• $175,000 - $220,000