• Chief Legal Counsel

    Iowa Department of Administrative Services (Des Moines, IA)


    Chief Legal Counsel

     

    Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4941414)

     

    Apply

     

    

     

    Chief Legal Counsel

     

    Salary

     

    $116,084.80 - $165,110.40 Annually

     

    Location

     

    Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

     

    Job Type

     

    Full-time

     

    Job Number

     

    25-03082

     

    Agency

     

    269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

     

    Opening Date

     

    05/14/2025

     

    Closing Date

     

    5/27/2025 11:59 PM Central

     

    LinkedIn Tag

    #LI-DNP

    Point of Contact

     

    Bethany Coop ([email protected])

     

    To Apply

     

    Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

     

    + Description

    + Benefits

    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 ourChief 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?VisitThisIsIowa.comto see how Iowa offers something for everyone - competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access toentertainment (https://www.traveliowa.com/getinspireddetails/9-super-cool-music-venues/12/) , opportunities for career growth and unrivaled outdoor adventures (https://www.traveliowa.com/getinspired/the-great-outdoors/13/) .

    As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy acomprehensive 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 thebenefits web page (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employees/human-resources/employee-benefits-programs/employee-benefits-overview) .

     

    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 visitwww.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.

     

    For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/GeneralCounselSupervisor-00646.pdf)

     

    Why Choose the State of Iowa?

     

    At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

    Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

    Competitive Compensation:

    Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

     

    Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

    Health and Wellness:

    Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

    Retirement Planning:

    We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

    Paid Time Off:

    Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

    Professional Development:

    Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

    We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

    Diversity and Inclusion:

    Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

    Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

    Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

     

    Employer

     

    State of Iowa

     

    Agency

     

    269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

     

    Address

     

    1963 Bell Ave

     

    Suite 200

     

    Des Moines, Iowa, 50315

     

    Website

     

    iowaeda.com

     

    Apply

     

    Please verify your email addressVerify Email