Assistant Director of Law - Operations and Sustainability

ABOUT THE ROLE The Law Department's Operations and Sustainability section works with various City of Cleveland departments on municipal law issues, including compliance, contracts, legislation, and providing legal opinions. This role provides representation for the Departments of Public Utilities, Public Works, Health, and the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, a passion for public service, and the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, attorneys, and department representatives in a fast-paced environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Research municipal and transactional law issues. - Prepare legal opinions and memoranda. - Draft and review legislation. - Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, terms and conditions, and other complex transactional documents. - Provide legal counsel to various departments regarding contracting, procurement, agreements, and other transactional matters. - Identify and address legal and contractual risks. - Advise on compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. - Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to facilitate and complete municipal initiatives. - Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. - Licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court. - Minimum of four (4) years of transactional work experience in a law firm or with another public sector entity focused on real estate and/or utility work. - Strong drafting, research, and writing skills. - Excellent verbal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, management, and the general public. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to work well as a team member in a fast-paced environment. - Ability to meet set deadlines consistently. - Commitment to the City's guiding principles: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. SELECTION PROCESS - Standard application review and interview process based on the evaluation of minimum qualifications, legal experience, and alignment with the City's guiding principles. HOW TO APPLY - Submit your application through the official City of Cleveland Human Resources employment portal prior to the closing date. - For more information on city benefits and total rewards, visit the City of Cleveland Human Resources website. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Cleveland - Department: Public Utilities - Water - Division: Water Management - Job Type: Full-time - Job Number: 10065-HR - Location: 601 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114 - Opening Date: 09/09/2026 - Closing Date: 10/9/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern - Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available through the City of Cleveland Total Rewards program.