General Counsel

Syracuse Hancock International Airport operated by Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) is a flourishing airport and seeking a full-time, experienced General Counsel.  The SRAA is dedicated to fostering a workplace that values the unique contributions of every team member. As part of our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the operations of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, contributing to a legacy of exceptional service and groundbreaking achievements.  This crucial executive role involves specialized professional legal work within the SRAA. The General Counsel will serve as the primary legal advisor to the Board of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and provide day-to-day legal counsel to the Executive Director and management team. The role requires delivering well-researched legal responses and attending all Board and Committee meetings. The General Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director and may supervise professional and administrative staff. Additional related duties as required. Embrace the opportunity to work in a setting that champions expertise, dedication, and visionary thinking.

 Typical Work Activities 

• Acts as legal advisor to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority in matters concerned with its business
• Prepares and approves legal documents presented to the Authority Board for its action
• Prepares applications, petitions and affidavits in connection with hearings and proceedings before the state and municipal bodies as required
• Reviews federal, state, and local grant applications and certifies compliance with applicable grant conditions, as required
• Represents the Authority before regulatory and legislative bodies as assigned
• Participates in lease and contract negotiations for the Authority in areas of real property transactions and tenant negotiations
• Participates in the settlement and negotiations of litigated matters
• Represents the Authority in matters of litigation in courts of law as assigned
• Reviews and approves contracts as presented
• Reviews Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) policy, requests, and responses
• Creates standard document language and strives for consistency among all documents
• Assists with preparation of all solicitation documents, RFQs, RFPs, and IFBs
• Assists with all contract amendments
• Advise on all FAA regulations regarding ACDBE/Title VI/ADA, as well as all State regulations to ensure contract compliance
• Participates in or conducts bargaining unit negotiations as assigned
• Supervises staff and provides direction and coaching for highest level of performance

• Thorough knowledge of Federal law and NYS law relating to the operation of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.
• Strong legal, analytical, communication, and presentational skills, with the ability to present logical and clear arguments of law verbally and in writing
• Strong strategic business sense
• Ability to organize materials for hearings and trials.
• Ability to deal persuasively and effectively with the general public, outside agencies, and tenants in a manner conducive to building and maintaining cooperative working relationships
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage complex and difficult projects independently and lead projects to successful completion, often under tight time constraints
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills
• Strong executive leadership acumen skills 
• Values and cultivates a diverse and inclusive workforce that fosters employee empowerment
• Ethical conduct in the practice of law in the State of New York
• Ability to travel as necessary for the needs of the position
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position

Minimum Qualifications 

• JD required, with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law within the State of New York. 
• Experience in NYS public sector law/municipal and Federal law pertaining to airports is preferred. 

Special Necessary Requirements:

• Candidates must be admitted to practice before the bar of the State of New York.
• Holds or is willing to obtain certifications specific to SRAA campus security system.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge. 
• *Any offer of employment would be contingent on passing a security clearance background check. 

This position is an exempt position through NYS Civil Service. 

Salary and Benefits

• Comprehensive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage upon date of hire, Health Savings Account available for eligible plans, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous paid time off
• New York State Deferred Compensation (457b)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in the New York State Local and Employee Retirement System
• Opportunity for professional development opportunities
• Exciting work environment at a leading airport with opportunities for growth and collaboration

You may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice.

To learn more about our organization, visit: www.flysyracuse.com 

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should apply online and include a resume and 3 professional references. 

SRAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.