What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy City Counselor position at City of Columbia?

Job Description Summary

The purpose of this job is to assist the City Counselor with overseeing all functions of the Law Department. Serves as supervisor and member of the legal team to provide professional services to city officials, staff, boards, and commissions. Provides legal advice on diverse areas of municipal law to all city departments. Researches and creates legal documents and opinions. Represents city before courts, administrative agencies, and other forums. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

Supports the Director in the execution of department strategic plans, implementation of department-wide initiatives, and direction of operational activities; coordinates major projects and continuous quality improvement activities.
Supervises, manages, and evaluates assigned employees and makes decisions about hiring, and / or discipline of employees; prioritizes and assigns work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and / or facilitates employee training and development; addresses employee concerns and / or problems; counsels and / or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
Provides professional legal services to the city under general direction and supervision of the City Counselor. Understands, interprets, and serves as general legal counsel to department heads, city staff, and appointed officials regarding legal issues, laws, and regulations. Reviews and drafts contracts and complex transactional documents.
Attends and represents city in judicial or administrative proceedings. Defends challenges to city actions and / or files actions on behalf of city. Assists outside counsel in litigation.
Provides legal representation of the city in negotiations for complex agreements or transactions.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Work requires managing and monitoring work performance by directing multiple groups of employees across more than one business function including making decisions on hiring, disciplinary actions, evaluating program / work objectives and effectiveness, conducting performance evaluations, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

Interactions and communications may result in recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. May also evaluate customer satisfaction, develop cooperative associations, and utilize resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public / employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

Position has moderate fiscal responsibility.

May be responsible for managing division budget, billing, accounting or funds and / or handling and balancing of cash.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered Education and Experience

Juris Doctor from an accredited program required.

7 years’ experience in municipal law or other related fields of law.

Supervisory experience in a legal setting preferred.

Licenses or Certifications

Missouri Bar License required.

Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to events, meetings, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position Knowledge of :

Local, state and federal laws, policies and rules related to employment and local government operations and proceedings.

Principles, practices and methods of legal research and sources for legal reference.

Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.

Skill in :

Managing projects.

Negotiating.

Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

Monitoring and assessing the performance of employees or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Public speaking.

Conducting legal research.

Drafting complex legal documents.

Ability to :

Represent the city in a public setting by presenting logical, persuasive, legal, and factually accurate arguments.

Effectively plan and delegate the work of others and to train and supervise the work of others.

Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.

Exercise sound judgment in identifying risks, proposing solutions and making critical decisions.

Establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships.

Serve as a resource and provide advice to all city departments on legal issues and legal compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

Maintain high ethical standards and strict confidentiality.

Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Create and present reports.

Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

Focus on tasks.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job Work Environment :

Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently / Often

Exposures :

Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.

Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and / or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hours / Days Generally M-F 8 : 00-5 : 00; Occasional evenings and weekends required. Starting Salary $106,496-135,262 DOQ Pay Grade L3 Number of Positions Available 1 Deadline to Apply 03 / 06 / 2025 Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Salary : $106,496 - $135,262

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