Description

Deputy Director and General Counsel

Kansas Association of Counties (KAC)

Topeka, Kansas 66012
United States
Type of Position: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervisory Responsibilities: Law Clerk (part-time)

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, this position serves as Deputy Director and assists in day-to-day operations and has the authority to serve as Executive Director when required. Additionally, this position directs the Association's legislative advocacy services and responds to legal inquiries from members and supports KAC's research and education missions. Finally, this position serves as General Counsel for the Governing Board.

Essential Functions

In the event that the Executive Director is unable to fulfill the duties of the role due to death, illness, or incompetence, the Deputy Director shall have all of the rights and authority to act on behalf of the Governing Board and the KAC.

Act as a liaison for KAC to other statewide non-county associations (i.e. LKM, Kansas Realtors, Manufactured Housing, etc.)
Provide county information to state and national associations, leaders, and other groups to advance the interests of the association 

Assist with cultivating non-dues revenue for the association.

Directs the KAC's legislative advocacy and representation of county interests. Serves as primary staff liaison to the KAC's Legislative Policy Committee, working with the committee, board and members to annually develop the KAC Legislative Policy Statement according to KAC's bylaws.

Advocates according to the KAC Legislative Policy Statement through oral and written testimony and by working individually with legislators through in-person conversations, telephone calls, e-mail, and other written correspondence to express KAC's viewpoint and present supporting information and data on pending issues.

Prepares and disseminates weekly Legislative Bulletins during the legislative session summarizing the status of bills affecting Kansas counties.

Develops and nurtures strong relationships with elected and appointed county officials and works to understand and articulate the issues facing Kansas counties.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with members of the Kansas Legislature, the State of Kansas executive branch, the Kansas congressional delegation, and other groups affecting policies in Kansas.

Conducts research on legislative policy issues and their legal impact on Kansas counties; prepares research in formats suitable for dissemination to county officials, particularly county counselors. 

Provides legal and other technical assistance to member counties as requested and responds to inquiries from elected and appointed officials of member counties to the extent permitted under the attorney code of ethics. 

Assist with writing stories and other content for the KAC website and other KAC publications.

Serves as the secretariat for the County Counselors Association of Kansas and facilitates their quarterly meetings, annual/midyear meetings, and CLE presentations. The secretariat also handles all finances of the CCAK.

Assigns work to and supervises the Law Clerk/Legal Intern to execute tasks related to the legislative process and/or legal inquiries from members.

Develop spreadsheets, promotional pieces, reports, guides, brochures, PowerPoints, and other KAC materials, in consultation with the Communications Director.

- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

General Counsel Responsibilities

Serve as the organization’s primary legal advisor to the Executive Director, Board, and staff on governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
Provide legal guidance on contracts, employment issues, public records, open meetings, ethics, and applicable state and federal laws. 
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency and organizational protection. 
Advise on statutory authority, legislative developments, and regulatory issues affecting counties and the organization. 
Ensure Board and committee actions comply with applicable law, bylaws, and governance best practices.
Coordinate and manage outside legal counsel as needed. 
Proactively identify legal risks and provide practical, solutions-oriented advice to support sound decision-making.

In matters concerning the Executive Director’s employment, evaluation, discipline, or separation, independent outside legal counsel will be engaged, and the General Counsel will not participate in those matters.

Marginal Functions

Provides transportation in personal vehicle as needed.
Schedules and organizes activities such as meetings and travel.
Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Competencies

Knowledge of government systems and county functions
Political savvy while not political in a partisan sense
Communications Proficiency-both verbal and written
Legal analysis-both research and writing
Affability and an ability to contribute to the staff team
Coalition building
Self-motivated
Composure in tense settings
Flexibility
Sound decision-making and judgment
Work Environment

This job largely operates in a professional office environment, but there are many hours spent at the Kansas Statehouse. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

For much of the year, this is a largely sedentary role, but the legislative session demands many hours in the Kansas Statehouse. There is also a requirement to transport supplies, particularly during the KAC annual conference. It is necessary to load and unload the supplies before and after the conference. Similar transport requirements will be necessary during other KAC events.

Travel

There are occasional travel requirements for this position with some overnight obligations. During KAC's annual conference in the fall, all employees must be available for the entirety of the conference. This is typically a four-day event, though there may be other times when travelling and a hotel stay will be necessary.

Required Education and Experience

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
License to practice law in Kansas
Ability to obtain registration as a lobbyist with the Kansas Secretary of State
Three years of related experience

Preferred Additional Education and Experience

Three to five years of advocacy work with the Kansas Legislature
Experience working directly with county officials
Other Duties

Please note this job description is not a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary and Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation with full dental and health care coverage. Paid time off. KPERS retirement plan, 457 Optional Retirement plan, HRA, and CHAMP Supplemental Insurance plan. A monthly cell phone stipend. Travel expenses plus mileage reimbursement at the State of Kansas rate for all business authorized travel. Salary commensurate with experience. Salary range: $75,000 - $95,000

How to Apply / Contact
To apply, qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Bruce Chladny, Executive Director, at Chladny@kansascounties.org. The position will remain open until filled.