General Counsel
Teachers' Retirement System
Oklahoma City, OK
Full-time
Legal
Posted on July 25, 2021
General Counsel Teachers' Retirement System is seeking a General Counsel. Responsible for providing counsel to the Board of Trustees and the System while ensuring compliance with various policies, procedures, laws, standards and government regulations. Juris Doctor, Admission to Oklahoma Bar, and a minimum of 7 years' experience in the practice of law required. Prior legal experience in state government, public pension, public trust, or similar type entity preferred. Salary range is $90,983-$154,671. Excellent health and retirement benefits. To apply, see application procedures at https://oklahoma.gov/trs/about-us/employment.html. This is a full-time position in State Government and is eligible for a generous benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, life and disability insurance products as well as a defined benefit retirement plan (pension), a deferred compensation plan, and pay for performance incentives. Employees earn 3 weeks of paid annual leave and 3 weeks of paid sick leave in the first year as well as enjoy 11 paid holidays and longevity pay. TRS was established in 1943 for the purpose of providing retirement allowances and other specified benefits for qualified persons employed by state-supported educational institutions. The System is a part of the State of Oklahoma financial reporting entity, which is combined with other similar funds to comprise the fiduciary-pension trust funds of the State of Oklahoma. The System administers a cost-sharing multiple-employer pension plan which is a defined benefit pension plan (the "DB plan") and a costsharing multiple-employer plan providing post-employment benefits other than pensions (the "OPEB plan"). TRS currently serves 184,000 members and beneficiaries in 600 school districts in Oklahoma. DEFINITION The Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) selects the General Counsel. The Board has delegated administrative oversight of the General Counsel to the Executive Director. This position provides legal advice and representation to the TRS staff, the Executive Director, and the Board of Trustees. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES This list is neither all inclusive nor restrictive. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to further define duties based on operational needs. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: * Has primary responsibility to ensure legal and regulatory compliance of agency operations. * Attends all Board of Trustee meetings and provides legal counsel to Board of Trustees ensuring compliance with Oklahoma Open Meetings Act. * Represents the agency in all legal matters arising in all Oklahoma tribunals. * Provides legal guidance to TRS employees on matters arising in connection with the execution of their duties, including regular review of Information Center database and training for staff on changes in law. * Coordinates and oversees work of specialized counsel in matters of tax and securities litigation, bankruptcy matters, and private markets investments. * Participates as member of the administrative staff in the development of agency operations, policy, procedures and regulations. * Oversight of Legislative and Policy Director - primary responsibility of drafting of legislation and administrative rules affecting the agency. * Oversight of Human Resources Director - assisting with issues to include FSLA, FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation and other personnel related issues. * Consults with administrators and supervisors on personnel and administrative issues providing legal guidance as is appropriate; discusses program and policy changes having state-wide impact. Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma General Counsel July 21, 2021 * Reviews and responds to Open Records Requests. * Other duties as assigned by the Chairman of the Board and the Board of Trustees. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relating to public administration, public pension systems, state government, employment law; comprehensive knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of the various programs being administered; comprehensive knowledge of the organization, development and administration of the programs managed. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with state officials, employees, applicants and the public; in oral and written communications of all types; and in interpreting, analyzing and resolving highly complex administrative and legal issues. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Completion of the curriculum requirements and awarding of a Juris Doctorate degree, admission to the Oklahoma Bar, and minimum of seven (7) years of law practice required. SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS Prior legal experience is preferred in one or more of the following entities: state government, public pension, public trust, or similar type entity. Strong background in employment law, the legislative process, and previous managerial experience is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this classification.