New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies’ offices and program areas and ensures that all matters comply with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units, General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions. Responsibilities: The Associate Counsel will be primarily responsible for the legal work and oversight of legal work applicable to procurements and contracts of the Agencies. This includes, but is not limited to: + Supervising legal staff responsible for procurement matters and contracts; + Drafting procurement contracts and procurement contract amendments/renewals; + Assisting with the development and training of staff in procurement and contracting rules and requirements; + Overseeing relevant contract expirations and subsequent renewals and/or amendments; + Providing legal support and guidance to the procurement team including assisting with contract and procurement policies and procedures and reviewing procurement solicitation material; + Providing guidance to the Agencies’ program areas; + Updating standard contract clauses; + Overseeing and updating the Agencies’ lobbying law policies in connection with procurements and contracts, when necessary; + Reviewing and drafting relevant corporate governance material and policies; + Updating the Agencies and providing legal advice regarding Federal and State procurement and contract legislation, regulations; + Serving as the legal representative on Agency committees in the review solicitation responses; + Assisting with matters relating to minority and women owned business enterprises and service disabled veteran owned businesses; + Carrying out such other legal duties as are necessary to be carried in the legal department, at the discretion of the senior vice president/general counsel and the deputy counsel for compliance. Who you are: + Minimum of 8 years experience with government contracts and procurements; + Strong experience with Federal and NYS procurement and contracting rules and regulations; + Experience with public benefit corporation procurement and contracting rules and requirements a plus; + Familiarity with: NYS Financial Law, Article 11; NYS Public Authorities Law, Title 4; NYS Executive Law Article 15; NYS Veterans' Service Law, Article 3; and the NYS Public Officers Law + Knowledge of information technology contract matters a plus; and + Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. What we offer at NYSHCR: + Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement) with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System. + Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals + Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays + Opportunity for compressed scheduling + 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave + Paid Family Leave + Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling + As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans) and while working full-time for an eligible (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment) employer. Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits: + Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals. + Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses + Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange) + Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more! + Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300 About New York State Homes and Community Renewal Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders. Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction. finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.