Chief Legal Officer
?? Georgia - Fulton - Atlanta (https://ga.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/80117/other-jobs-matching/location-only)
New
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Legal
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Atlanta - Region Transit Link Authority
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1 day ago Post Date
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Under limited supervision, the Chief Legal Officer serves as Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority's (GTEA) chief legal advisor, reporting directly to the Deputy Executive Director and participating on the leadership team. The Chief Legal Officer provides legal guidance for executive and policy decision-making and supports GTEA's responsibilities as the region's Designated Recipient for federal transit funding, its administration of grants and subgrants, and its statutory duties to review and approve the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and review Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs). The Chief Legal Officer oversees the Legal Division and provides strategic counsel across GTEA's programs and operations.
Organizational Scope
The Chief Legal Officer leads and directs the Procurement and Contracts Group and the Compliance and Subrecipient Oversight Group. Additionally, the Chief Legal Officer serves as GTEA's Chief Ethics Officer, Open Records Request Officer, and Title VI Officer; and coordinates with the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia as required by law or at the direction of the Deputy Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Leadership & Governance
Provide timely, practical legal advice to the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board, anticipating legal risk and aligning counsel to GTEA's strategic priorities.
Develop, administer, and interpret bylaws, policies, and procedures; maintain robust internal controls to protect GTEA's interests and reduce risk.
Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, including open meetings and open records laws; deliver recurring legal and operational training to key stakeholders.
Designated Recipient, Grants, and Subrecipient Oversight
Provides legal guidance as necessary on GTEA's role as the Atlanta region's Designated Recipient and as its role as a Federal Transit Administration Direct Recipient
Provide legal guidance on GTEA's grantmaking and subrecipient monitoring activities, including compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program requirements, Uniform Guidance, civil rights obligations, and state oversight requirements.
Staff Management & Department Operations
Provide organizational leadership for the Legal Department, establishing clear priorities, work standards, and performance expectations that support GTEA's mission.
Develop and mentor staff, foster professional growth, and reinforce a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities include supervising, coaching, and evaluating legal and administrative personnel; assigning and reviewing work; and ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of legal services consistent with agency goals.
Ensure effective division operations by implementing internal procedures that promote efficiency, risk mitigation, and consistent application of legal and regulatory standards. This includes monitoring workload, managing competing priorities, and facilitating cross-functional coordination with other divisions and external partners.
Oversee the development and use of division budgets, forecast operational needs, and ensure appropriate stewardship of agency resources.
Promote an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing work environment by building team cohesion, providing constructive feedback, and supporting staff in achieving professional and organizational objectives.
Regional Planning: TIP & DRIs
Provide legal review and support as necessary for GTEA's evaluation and approval of the regional TIP, ensuring conformity with federal and state procedural requirements and effective stakeholder coordination.
Support GTEA's review of DRIs and related regional land-use and transportation policy processes that fall under enabling legislation.
Procurement & Contracts
Oversee enterprise procurement and contracting activities; draft, review, and negotiate agreements; ensure compliance with applicable procurement standards and state law.
Compliance & Civil Rights
Serve as Chief Ethics Officer, Open Records Request Officer, and Title VI Officer; ensure compliance with Title VI, ADA, EEO, procurement standards, and other applicable civil rights requirements; establish monitoring and reporting frameworks.
Litigation & External Representation
Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia for litigation and other matters as required; manage outside counsel as appropriate.
Engage with legislators, MPOs, local governments, and public/private transportation organizations; respond to concerns from board members and legislators, and ensure proper resolution.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school; active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
Prior in-house experience and/or experience working in or with the transportation sector.
Demonstrated ability to proactively identify, prioritize, and resolve complex legal issues.
Experience with federal and state procurement policies, rules, and practices.
Strong competency in negotiating and drafting business transactions and public-sector agreements.
Outstanding analytical, organizational, and communication skills; sound business judgment with the capacity to manage conflicting deadlines, staff supervision, and changing priorities.
Strong understanding of legal principles related to employment, commercial and contractual transactions, and organizational governance within highly regulated sectors. This includes the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements; anticipate legal exposures; and provide clear, solutions-oriented counsel to support agency decision-making and operational continuity.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws applicable to public transportation agencies, including civil, administrative, environmental, labor, and regulatory compliance frameworks. This encompasses familiarity with statutes governing public records and open meetings, environmental review processes, government finance, and regulations issued by relevant federal and state oversight bodies.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting a Designated Recipient for federal transit funds.
Experience with land-use law and statutorily required development review processes (including DRIs).
Familiarity with the federally required metropolitan transportation planning process and coordination with MPOs, local governments, and transit operators.
Government affairs experience with a track record of reviewing legislation and maintaining an effective network of contacts.
Salary & Benefits
Hiring salary is commensurate with current employment, relevant education/training, work experience, and available funding. Benefit options include life, disability, dental and health insurance, annual/sick leave, and participation in the Employees' Retirement System.
Application Process & Employment Notices
Applications and resumes will be evaluated; only those meeting qualifications will be considered. Top candidates will be contacted for interviews. Due to application volume, status updates will be provided only to selected candidates. Consideration and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. GTEA does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or age in its employment practices.
Pursuant to Public Law 99-603 (Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986), GTEA employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. All persons hired by GTEA must verify identity and employment eligibility and agree to drug screening and a criminal background investigation.
Additional Information
Agency Logo:
Requisition ID: LEG02WC
Number of Openings: 1
Advertised Salary: $120k to $150k annually
Shift: Day Job
Posting End Date: May 29, 2026
