General Counsel (General Counsel IV)

General Counsel – Austin, Texas

Texas Space Commission (Commission) is looking for a General Counsel (General Counsel IV).

Who We Are

The Texas Space Commission works to promote innovation in the field of space operations and commercial aerospace opportunities, including the integration of space, aeronautics, and aviation industries into the Texas economy. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You’ll Earn

The salary is $15,833.34 - $17,500.00 a month ($190,000.08 - $210,000.00 a year).

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, and vacation leave. Also, State of Texas employees are eligible for a defined retirement plan. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

What You’ll Do

This position performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) legal work for the Commission. Work involves strategic planning, state agency administration, and working closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Chief Compliance Officer to provide well-researched legal services for the Commission on a wide range of legal issues, including federal and state constitutional law, proposed legislation, and other federal or state law matters. Work involves directing the Commission's legal activities; interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with attorneys; overseeing the drafting and negotiation of contracts; and overseeing the drafting and review of bills for legislative consideration.

• Provides legal advice to the Executive Director, Commission, and the Commission’s Board of Directors on various topics requiring legal knowledge and advice, particularly the Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, contracting, state and federal appropriations, administrative law, and procurement.
• Advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of federal and state constitutional laws and regulations as well as Commission laws and regulations.
• Advises on policy matters and issues involving legal risks to Commission leadership and identifies appropriate legal solutions.
• Oversees the overall and day-to-day legal services and operations of the Commission.
• Oversees and reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration and makes recommendations for changes.
• Oversees the drafting of contracts, legal documents, administrative rules, and legislative documents.
• Consults with Commission leadership to develop appropriate solutions to the legal needs of internal business operations and oversees the development and implementation of agency policies and procedures to ensure adherence to agency goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Communicates effectively with members of the Texas Legislature, advocacy groups, local governmental entities and law enforcement, constituents, and others as authorized on behalf of the Commission.
• Coordinates with the Offices of the Attorney General and others regarding litigation and other legal matters.
• Monitors, reviews, and analyzes legislation in advance of, and during, the legislative session.
• Advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of agency laws and regulations.
• Drafts and negotiates contracts and legal documents.

How You’ll Qualify                                        

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and current member of the bar in good standing; and
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for five (5) years; or licensed in another state for five (5) years and able to secure licensure in Texas as soon as practicable.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.   

You’re a Great Fit with

• Prior experience handling litigation and appellate matters in federal and state courts;
• Prior experience drafting and negotiating contracts or grant agreements;
• Prior experience working on state agency procurements;
• Prior experience working with other state agencies, including: Texas Legislative Budget Board; Texas Department of Information; Texas Legislative Council; Texas Sunset Commission; State Comptroller of Public Accounts; System Offices and campus leadership for public institutions of higher education; Texas Department of Transportation; Texas Military Department;
• Prior experience with the administration of a trust fund held outside the state treasury per legislative appropriations;
• Prior experience or knowledge relating to Public Information Act requests;
• Prior experience or knowledge relating to the Open Meetings Act; and
• Prior experience working in and around the Texas Legislature.

How to Apply

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and resume, and apply online at www.workintexas.com. Paper applications and resumes are not accepted in person or via email.

Veterans
Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office.