General Counsel

Position Open: July 17, 2025

Position Close: August 31, 2025

MDHA serves Nashville and Davidson County. Its mission is to create affordable housing options, support neighborhoods, strengthen communities, and help build a better Nashville. 

MDHA employs over 300 staff members, has a budget of $185 million, and houses approximately 30,000 people, primarily through nearly 8,000 Section 8 Vouchers and over 6,800 apartments, which are mainly Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) units, at 39 properties. MDHA is a housing authority, a community development agency, and a redevelopment agency.

Position Summary

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor and strategic business partner to the executive leadership team, providing legal guidance that aligns with business objectives while proactively identifying and mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The General Counsel is a vital leadership role responsible for developing and executing legal strategies, processes, and policies. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

1. Effective and Ethical Leadership

The preferred candidate must demonstrate their ability to be an effective leader by acting decisively to motivate and ensure that people work effectively and efficiently, aligning the law department with the mission, purpose, and functions of the Agency. The candidate must also be a critical thinker and risk manager.

      2. Legal Expertise

The ideal candidate must possess a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations, including corporate, commercial, compliance, real estate, environmental, Tennessee-specific law, employment, and HUD regulations, as well as sector-specific laws.

3. Business Acumen

The preferred candidate must be able to view the Agency from a broad perspective. This includes understanding the Agency's business and external environment, such as market trends, political and economic environment, and regulatory changes, and how these factors affect the Agency.

4. Innovative and Adaptable

The preferred candidate must be able to operate in a constantly evolving environment, with new technologies and regulatory changes emerging at a rapid pace. The General Counsel must be open to change and serve as a change agent within the Agency by fostering a culture that values creativity and flexibility in achieving the Agency's mission.

5. Communication Skills

The ideal candidate must be an excellent communicator capable of effectively conveying the Agency's mission, activities, and achievements to a diverse range of stakeholders both inside and outside the organization. This includes board members, employees, tenants, government officials, foundations, banks and financial institutions, the media, and the public.

6. Negotiation Skills

The preferred candidate must be able to negotiate a wide range of complex, high-stakes business deals, real estate transactions, and various government contracts with diverse parties and institutions. They must navigate these transactions with creativity, skill, nuance, and persuasive authority to secure favorable terms that support the Agency's financial health and strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

     1. Legal Advice and Representation

Provides legal advice to senior management, the board of commissioners, and other departments on a wide range of issues, including contracts, compliance, labor law, and real estate transactions. Represents the organization in legal proceedings and manages relationships with outside counsel when needed.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

Ensures the organization complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Develops, implements, and monitors compliance programs and policies to reduce legal risks.

3. Risk Management

Identify, evaluate, and handle legal risks throughout the Agency, including creating crisis management plans. Provide guidance on risk exposure related to contracts, litigation, and regulatory updates.

4. Corporate Governance

Oversee and guide corporate governance initiatives, ensuring that board procedures, ethics, and compliance frameworks are strong and effective. Advise the board and executive management on governance issues and best practices.

5. Contract Management

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements, including those with clients, vendors, and partners. Ensure that all contracts benefit the Agency's interests and comply with all applicable legal requirements.

6. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Manage litigation and dispute resolution processes, including overseeing internal investigations and responding to legal claims. Coordinate with outside counsel and lead strategies for resolving disputes efficiently.

7. Oversight of Legal Department

Design and organize the in-house legal department, including recruiting, mentoring, and supervising a team of one attorney and one assistant. Manage legal expenses and oversee the department's budget, including third-party law firms.

8. Intellectual Property and Statutory Filings

Oversee the management and protection of the Agency's intellectual property portfolio.

Handle statutory filings and ensure proper documentation for licensing, compliance, and entity formation.

9. Policy Advocacy and Public Affairs

Advise on public policy issues and advocate for the organization's interests within the regulatory or legislative environment. Monitor and interpret changes in laws and regulations that could affect the Agency.       

Education, Experience & Other Requirements

 Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Valid license to practice law in Tennessee. At least 10 years of legal experience, with a preference for at least 5 years of management experience. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the agency’s fleet insurance