Senior Counsel, Legal

Job Description

Job Description

Our Vision : To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City's diverse people and businesses. 

Our Mission : Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. 

Position Overview: The Senior Counsel position provides legal support and representation in connection with NYCEDC's programs and projects. This role delivers practical, solution‑oriented legal advice to internal stakeholders, represents NYCEDC's interests in complex transactions, and supports corporate governance and compliance across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex transactional matters across NYCEDC's portfolio, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of agreements such as contracts of sale, leases, licenses, permits, consultant and professional services agreements, funding and loan agreements, construction and development contracts, operating agreements, and related instruments.  
• Advise on transactions involving real estate and economic development projects, including waterfront, transportation, maritime, capital and infrastructure investments, and financing and tax-exempt transactions for NYCIDA and Build NYC Resource Corporation.  
• Represent NYCEDC in negotiations with developers, lenders, public agencies, consultants, and other third parties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and risk tolerance.  
• Effectively communicate NYCEDC's legal and corporate policies to internal and external stakeholders.  
• Manage transactions through closing by coordinating with internal teams, external counsel and counterparties to ensure timely and accurate execution of project documents.  
• Advise NYCEDC staff on legal, contractual, and corporate compliance matters, and support litigation and dispute‑related issues in coordination with the New York City Law Department and other City agencies, as needed.  
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, guidance, and analyses on matters of law and policy for the General Counsel and NYCEDC staff.  
• Prepare, review, and present materials for the Boards of Directors of NYCEDC, NYCIDA, and Build NYC Resource Corporation., as well as handle other corporate governance matters.  
• Support the General Counsel on additional initiatives, including development of form agreements, program and policy development, corporate matters, and personnel matters, as assigned.  

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school; active admission and in good standing with the New York State Bar required.  
• A minimum of five (5) years of post-law school legal experience, with a focus on transactional practice in areas such as real estate, finance, construction, contracts, or related fields.  
• Demonstrated communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts and concisely.  
• Legal research, analysis, and problem-solving capabilities.  
• Client service orientation and ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams.  
• Proven ability to understand and manage complex, multiparty transactions.  
• Advanced drafting and negotiation skills with attention to detail.  
• Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while exercising sound judgment.  
• New York City residency is required within 180 days of hire.  

Salary Range

$140,000—$170,000 USD

About Us : New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. 

NYCEDC is committed to offering competitive benefits to support employee health, happiness, and work-life balance. We offer comprehensive benefits and unique perks to ensure NYCEDC employees flourish in their professional and personal lives:

• Generous employer subsidized health insurance 
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Vision and hearing benefits
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Short term and long-term disability coverage
• 100% employer covered life insurance and supplemental life insurance coverage
• Up to 25 vacation days
• Floating Holidays and Summer Fridays
• Parental leave - up to 20 paid weeks
• Retirement savings programs
  • Company-paid 401(a) defined contribution plan
  • 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plan
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Continuing education and professional development
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• College savings plan
• Backup childcare
• Gym membership discounts
• A Calm.com membership for mindfulness and mental health support
• Employee discounts through Plum Benefits and much more

Benefits listed above may vary based on the length and nature of your employment with New York City Economic Development Corporation. These benefits are subject to be modified at any time, at the discretion of the organization. 

The New York City Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Social Responsibility Mission is to create a People First strategy by attracting, retaining, and engaging a diverse and talented workforce. Like the city of New York, NYCEDC knows our strength comes from each of our connected parts, making the fabric of our organization better and stronger because of our unique employees' talents. 

At NYCEDC, all applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team and hiring managers. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, evaluate, or make decisions regarding candidate resumes or applications. Each candidate is considered through a thoughtful, human-led review process to ensure equity, consistency, and alignment with the needs of the role. 

For more information, visit our website at edc.nyc.