Evening Recipient Rights Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.