The Position
The City of
Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking a new Deputy City Attorney to be a senior
leader within the City Attorney’s Office providing extensive expertise and strategic
input on the management team while serving as general counsel to City officers
and employees enterprise wide. This position serves as a manager and is
responsible for administrative and business operation areas and staff within
the office.
The Deputy
City Attorney is a senior leader within the City Attorney’s Office providing
extensive expertise and strategic input on the management team while serving as
general counsel to City officers and employees enterprise wide. The Deputy City
Attorney analyzes and advises on complex municipal law, represents the City in
negotiations and in administrative and court proceedings. Additionally, this
position prepares legal opinions and other legal documents and provides
oversight and feedback to legal and paralegal staff in doing the same. In the
absence of the City Attorney, this position will act on their behalf to provide
leadership, manage ongoing legal services, and ensure representation at various
City meetings such as City Council, boards and commissions, and the Executive
Leadership Team.
The Deputy
City Attorney provides office-wide oversight and support with primary
responsibility for directing and advising certain assigned City service areas,
departments and divisions, as well as assigned to back-up other attorneys in
their primary assignments. The Deputy City Attorney communicates directly and
effectively with clients, outside counsel, opposing counsel, and others while
managing the strategic direction of projects in cooperation with clients, and
negotiates deadlines, deliverables, and competing priorities for multiple
clients. The Deputy City Attorney will embody the core values and adapt with
the dynamic evolution of Fort Collins. They will be deeply committed to the
City, exemplify servant leadership, embrace our commitment to equity and
inclusion, and support our triple-bottom-line approach. The successful
candidate is apolitical yet politically astute, with a strong history of
developing effective relationships and providing sound legal advice to advance
the City's strategic plan and support Council priorities. With unquestioned
integrity and sound ethics, the Deputy City Attorney is considered a thought
partner and works in the best interest of the City at all times.
The Deputy
City Attorney has substantial local government law experience and leverages
that knowledge to anticipate issues and proactively mitigate risk. The ideal
candidate is intellectually curious and embraces the opportunity to participate
in senior leadership and executive team meetings. With a broad background and
proven track record in developing legally sound strategies, the Deputy City
Attorney assists in all aspects of the organization's legal needs and is
actively invested in the success of both the organization and the community.
Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color
are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every
job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for
the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The
City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education,
and experience to meet minimum qualifications.
A minimum of ten years in the practice of
municipal law, ideally with a successful track record as an Assistant or Deputy
Attorney, or experience in a private law firm advising municipal governments
with a full range of municipal services. A broad and diverse municipal
government background with legal expertise in more than one area is ideal. Direct leadership
experience managing attorneys and legal personnel is essential with experience
managing litigation preferred. A Juris Doctor from an accredited law
school is required. A license in good standing to practice law in the State of
Colorado or the ability to qualify for admission On Motion in Colorado is
essential.
Compensation and Benefits
The City of
Fort Collins offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including a
market salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary
range is: $145,242 - $226,941, and the anticipated hiring range is $175,000 -
$190,000; salaries are paid biweekly. Benefits include medical, dental, vision,
life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the City of
Fort Collins offers additional benefits, including 401(a) and a 457 deferred
compensation plan with an employer contribution, an optional Health Savings
Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, a significant Wellness program, and
relocation assistance for the successful out-of-area finalist.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by
Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online
form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For full
consideration, please apply by June 30, 2023.
