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.
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.
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.
The Novak Consulting Group, part of Raftelis, provides executive search, facilitation and strategic planning, and organizational assessment and optimization to local governments and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
