General Counsel

The position of General Counsel (GC) is new to the NWSA and the first GC for the NWSA will have a critical role to play in shaping and defining this position in conjunction with NWSA leadership and leadership from the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle (Homeports). The GC will need to be flexible, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and client-focused in spirit and outlook.

With a dual reporting role to the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Commissioners, the General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Commissioners and the NWSA Executive Leadership Team. The NWSA General Counsel role is established to provide corporate board of director level legal guidance to the Commissioners.

The NWSA seeks candidates who display enthusiasm, energy and a drive to succeed. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer the organization’s culture is built on the following values: Integrity, Customer Service, Competitive Spirit, Courage, Diversity, Sustainability and Collaboration. The alliance seeks candidates who can align and model these values both internally and externally and understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work.

This position is based in the Greater Puget Sound Region with commuting responsibilities to both Tacoma and Seattle, WA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership: GC must manage the NWSA Legal Services budget and the GC also has oversight over NWSA allocated outside counsel and expert witness expenditures. Provides leadership and direction to employees or outside contractors for NWSA-allocated legal services including coaching, mentoring, performance appraisal, and disciplinary action when necessary. Assists employees in achieving the NWSA's mission and strategic objectives.

Executive Participation: Work directly with the NWSA's Executive team, supporting the strategic management of the NWSA and the formulation and adoption of NWSA-wide goals, objectives, strategies, policies and procedures. GC is comfortable in fast-paced environment, calm under pressure, and has the ability to multitask high-priority projects. Assists in developing resolutions to issues and situations impacting the NWSA's ability to operate effectively, efficiently and within its statutory and legal boundaries. Collaborates with Homeport Legal Counsels to ensure the best interests of the POT, POS and NWSA are served. The GC attends the weekly Executive Team and Agenda Review meetings, senior team retreats.

Legal Policy Guidance: Reports directly to the NWSA CEO and the Commissioners and provides legal guidance and general advice as necessary on significant decisions at the executive level. Also provides direct legal counsel to the Commissioners regarding a variety of governance and policy issues. Will support vetting protocols on significant legal matters that ensure Commissioners’ input is received on legal strategy in advance of its execution and will work with the Commissioners and CEO to define the NWSA perspective on significant legal matters. GC must develop a working knowledge of the NWSA's internal and external business, and how those areas intersect with Homeport activities including but not limited to, engineering, project management, contracting and procurement, accounting and finance, physical and cybersecurity, human resources, labor and employment relations, seaport industry issues, environmental sustainability and transportation.

Public Governance: The NWSA operates with a commitment to accountability and public transparency. The GC will assist with issues relating to public governance, ensuring compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, and applicable Federal Maritime Commission Agreements and U.S. Shipping Act. The GC attends all NWSA Managing Member meetings where the GC is tasked with solving any procedural issues and responding to substantive legal questions. GC is accountable for NWSA compliance with laws pertaining to public records including public disclosure requests. The GC is frequently called upon for a determination regarding the boundaries of the NWSA's legal authority both with respect to Homeport roles, NWSA operations, strategic initiatives and day to day policies and procedures.

Business: GC will advise NWSA leadership on all legal matters related to NWSA business. GC must demonstrate a working knowledge and capability on related legal documents, such as contracts and lease drafting and management and real estate related documents including leases, easements, use agreements, right of ways, terminations, and compliance issues.

Employment: The NWSA seeks to foster a collaborative, equitable and ethical work environment. The GC is also responsible for Workplace Responsibility/Code of Conduct compliance issues. Responsibilities of the office include communication, training, investigating workplace complaints, and addressing employee disciplinary issues.

Regional Interaction with regulators, interest groups, government officials and bodies: As a public agency, the NWSA's authority derives from state law and the GC can play a crucial role in defending or expanding the NWSA's authority as circumstances demand, including providing advice to the NWSA's Government Affairs staff, drafting and reviewing proposed legislation, working with port organizations and stakeholders, and appearing before legislative committees. The NWSA also maintains relationships with various governmental and regulatory bodies and has experience dealing with transportation, and environmental agencies. The GC is occasionally called upon to meet with Commissioners and local elected leaders, staff, Homeport Executives and Homeport Counsel to develop local and regional policy strategies or transactional matters. Finally, the GC deals with a variety of state and federal civil rights, employment and health and safety agencies.

Interagency Interaction: General Counsel provides advice and support for NWSA’s intergovernmental and cooperative actions and agreements with other state agencies and tribal governments. GC is familiar with current and historical federal, state, and local legislative issues relevant to the NWSA, and navigates political issues and relationships while advancing the NWSA’s interests.

Audit Functions: The GC provides advice and support in preparing for and responding to a variety of audits including the Washington State Auditor Office (SAO) compliance and performance audits, NWSA Audit Committees, financial bond compliance audits, internal audits, and federal audits and investigations as they arise.

Litigation oversight: The GC oversees and is accountable for litigation associated with the above NWSA functions and roles, ranging from minor personal injury matters to multi-million-dollar matters, the outcome of which could impact the NWSA's credibility and financial and operational future.

Employment Eligibility

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.

The successful candidate must possess (or obtain within 30 days of employment) a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to successfully complete a post-offer substance abuse test (includes both drug and alcohol) and background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

NOTE: The conditions of employment for this position are "At-Will" which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by statute. No supervisor, manager or director of the Port, other than Chief Executive Officer, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.

THE NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO

PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE.