Unified
Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas (pop. 169,245)
This merged city/county is conducting a national search for an experienced Chief
Legal Counsel with strong communication, public law experience, and cultural competency
skills. The ideal candidate will be a
proven and articulate local attorney who will be adept at explaining and
following up on Kansas state and local government law in public meetings and
with their legal team. The Unified
Government/Wyandotte County is a unique, dynamic, and transforming public
service entity that is ready to embrace new legal team leadership.
The Kansas City metro area is the home
to nearly two million residents over 4,423 square miles. Kansas City, Kansas/Wyandotte
County is central to the entire region with easy access to interstates I-70,
I-635, and I-435. The Unified Government’s
offices are located 24 miles from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
and four miles from Kansas City, Missouri.
Wyandotte County is the fourth-most
populous county in Kansas and hosts the
University of Kansas Medical Center, the Kansas City, Kansas Community College,
Donnelly College, and the Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences/Magnet school, the
highest ranked high school in Kansas. The
General Motors Fairfax plant provides 2,100 jobs and manufactures the Chevrolet
Malibu and Cadillac XT4.
Wyandotte
County residents are regularly treated to Kansas
Speedway, Sporting KC, and Children’s Mercy Soccer events, as well as shopping
at the Legends, a premier retail and entertainment destination with 100 shops,
dining, and entertainment options. Niche
ranked Wyandotte County the fifth best county for young professionals in Kansas
and one of the best counties for outdoor activities in Kansas, including the
popular Wyandotte County
Lake.
Wyandotte
County is one of the most urbanized and diverse counties in the state; 58% of
UG Wyandotte County residents are Hispanic, Black, Asian, or mixed races. Individuals who identify as Hispanic are the
largest ethnic group at 30% of the total population. Wyandotte County fully embraces diversity of
culture, people, and the economy.
Kansas City Kansas and Wyandotte
County founded its’ consolidated city/county form of government in 1997 with a
County Administrator overseeing both functions. The County encompasses four
cities (Kansas City, City Bonner Springs, Edwardsville, and part of Lake
Quivira).
The
Unified Government is classified as a Mayor/Chief Executive; Commission;
County Administrator form of government. The Unified Government Board of
Commissioners is composed of a Mayor/CEO elected at-large and (10) Commission
members. All elected positions are
non-partisan. Eight (8) of the
Commission members are elected from districts. Two (2) are elected at-large.
The Board of Commission is the policy-making authority and operates with the
assistance of four standing committees (Administration & Human Services,
Public Works & Safety, Neighborhood & Community Development, and
Economic development & Finance.
The Chief
Legal Counsel is appointed by the County Administrator and is charged with
oversight and direction of the Unified Government legal department. The Chief Counsel provides legal advice to
the County Administrator, Mayor, Board of Commissioner and staff on policy
formulation and other Unified Government actions. The incumbent provides overall guidance,
supervision of the Unified Government attorneys and legal staff and implements,
develops overall Unified Government legal strategy.
Specific duties
include: representing Unified Government in all legal matters; providing solid verbal
advice at Board meetings to questions raised regarding procedure and policy formulation,
followed up by written opinions; determining applicable laws, rules and
regulations; providing guidance to staff
attorneys; determining trial and appellate strategy and advisability of
settlement; preparing formal legal opinions; drafting documents; reviewing
contracts; investigating claims; assisting in making administrative decisions;
advising and consulting on new initiatives and special projects; drafting,
reviewing and negotiating legal documents; assisting in development of
administrative policies; and attending Board meetings and various other public meetings.
The County
Administrator is the chief administrative officer and is responsible to the
Board of Commissioners for administration of all Unified Government affairs
within the County Administrator’s charge.
The County
Administrator directs and supervises the day-to-day operations of all county
and city departments and agencies, as well as the appointment of non-elected
department heads, including the Chief Legal Counsel. The County
Administrator's Office is responsible for preparation and submission of the
annual Unified Government budget to the Mayor and Commission. The County
Administrator serves as the Board of Commissioners’ official liaison to the
elected constitutional officers, the judiciary, and state and regional
agencies.
The Mayor’s office is
responsible for the Board of Commissioners’ agenda in consultation with the
County Administrator, appointing committees, breaking ties, providing
leadership to the unified government in the development of long-range plans and
policies and the development of priorities for actions and in planning for
economic growth and stability of the unified government and addressing the recommendations
of the County Administrator in conjunction with the Board of
Commissioners.
The Unified Government employs approximately
2,300 staff covering a full range of city and county services. Employees are represented by 13 bargaining
units. The operations budget totals $432
million and includes a General Fund of $165 million for Kansas City, Kansas and
$80 million for Wyandotte County.
The
successful candidate is required to have:
Candidate Requirements:
·
Juris Doctorate
· 7 to 10 years of experience in municipal law
litigation and administration or related work experience or, an equivalent
combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the
essential duties of the job
· Knowledge
of Kansas law, federal law, and organizational structure and services provided
by local government.
· Membership
in the Kansas State Bar, or demonstrated ability to do so within six months
· License
to practice law in the State of Kansas and admission to state and federal court,
or a demonstrated ability to do so within six months
· Supervisory
experience with demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize, and
supervise the work of others
·
Demonstrate knowledge of:
Preferences
·
City or County legal experience in an organization of comparable
size and complexity
·
Skilled in Kansas labor relations law
Compensation & Benefits
The annual
salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 DOQ/E. The Unified Government/Wyandotte County
offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental,
vision, life insurance, a deferred compensation 457 plan, possible relocation
assistance, and all other provisions of the Unified Government Human Resources
Guide.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and five professional
references by July 14, 2023. Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Ryan Cotton.
Tel: 847-380-3240,
ext. 114. Candidates’ applications remain
confidential until the finalist stage.
Interviews with the Unified Government will be Thursday,
August 17th and 24th. The
Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas values diversity
& inclusion in its workforce. Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer. Position open until
filled.
Anticipated start date:
September 25, 2023
