Summary

Provides legal advice/counsel to all NYPA’s business and functional areas.   Researches, analyzes, and interprets proposed and existing laws, statutes, and regulations.   Identifies, monitors, and addresses issues of legal risk.  Informs and contributes to the structuring, drafting, negotiating and/or approval of legal contracts, letters of agreement, policies and other documents.  

The Assistant Corporate Secretary position assists in the oversight of the governance framework for the Authority and Canal Corporation. Assists in managing the Authority and Canal Boards, the associated committees, and advisory boards. Assists with initiating the Authority’s rulemaking and ratemaking activities; organizes and holds public hearings on matters requiring public consideration or public comments. Submits specified reports and filings to the Authorities Budget Office, and the Office of the Comptroller as well as other agencies pursuant to various sections of Public Authorities Law and General Municipal Law. Monitors and ensures Board members’ compliance with numerous training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly and build strong relationships with representatives of the various business units of the Authority and Canal Corporation, as well as Board and committee members.
• Review presentations from various business units to be presented to the Board for accuracy and alignment with themes for the meetings.
• Provide administrative support for Corporate Secretary’s Office, Board of Trustees, Economic Development Power Allocation Board (EDPAB), Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board (WNYPPAB) & Northern New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board (NNYPPAB) while maintaining discretion and confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Assist in scheduling pre- and post-meeting briefings; interviews; press statements and events, tours and visits for board members.
• Assist in preparing meetings of the various boards and committees including coordinating meeting rooms and ensuring all supplies necessary for a successful meeting.
• Assist in the distribution of meeting materials to Board members, staff and general public; converting meeting materials into various formats for posting from the CSO SharePoint site onto Boardvantage, Powernet, and external websites.
• Assist in ensuring that Western NY, Northern NY and Recharge applications are available to members.
• Assist in drafting and editing PowerPoints, memos and reports.
• Assist in additional duties including filing annual reports, preparing for public hearings and forums, drafting minutes and tracking member’s mail.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including writing and proof-reading.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments from a variety of staff and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, exhibiting a high level of professionalism.
• Able to coordinate and plan events.
• Knowledgeable regarding navigating online board portals.
• Proficient in using technology, including but not limited to DocuSign and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Education, Experience and Certifications

•    Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience

or

• Associate’s Degree and minimum 2 years of relevant experience preferred

Physical Requirements

At more senior levels, travel a minimum of 5 times a year within NY State.