Vice President - Chief Legal Officer

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the President - Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President - Chief Legal Officer is responsible for all legal and regulatory matters. Serves as chief legal officer and oversees all legal and regulatory activity of the utility. Plans, directs, manages, and coordinates the activities of Legal, Environmental Affairs, and Government Relations. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee, advising the President - Chief Executive Officer on utility-wide management decisions. Assists the President - Chief Executive Officer as directed.

The Vice President - Chief Legal Officer is responsible for, and has commensurate authority to accomplish, the duties set forth below. The Vice President - Chief Legal Officer may delegate portions of his/her responsibilities and commensurate authority consistent with sound operating practices and authorized policies and procedures; however, he/she may not delegate nor relinquish any portion of his/her accountability for results.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Advises the President - Chief Executive Officer, members of management, and the Board of Public Utilities concerning legal and regulatory rights, duties and privileges, and industry developments and trends in judicial, regulatory, or legislative outcomes. Develops, supervises, consults, directs, and/or performs strategic oversight of City Utilities' policy and regulatory positions including, but not limited to, those related to electric and gas operations.

2. Represents City Utilities (and in appropriate matters, the City of Springfield) in regulatory submissions, hearing and trials, including administrative proceedings; supervises investigation and handling of claims by and against the Utility. Cooperates and advances City Utilities' interests with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), state public utility commissions, Regional Transmission Organizations, U.S. Department of Energy, and general City government. Testifies before State House and Senate Committees on legislation affecting the Utility and makes reports concerning same.

3. Identifies and investigates potential legal and regulatory liabilities of the Utility and recommends appropriate procedures to avoid liabilities.

4. Hires and oversees outside counsel, as necessary.

5. Appears before departments and bureaus of government on matters of interest to City Utilities.

6. Negotiates with employee representatives regarding wages and working conditions; assists in grievance and arbitration procedures as requested by the Senior Vice President - Chief Technology & People Officer or the President - Chief Executive Officer, and advises on interpretation of labor agreements with employee groups.

7. Advises Human Resources and management regarding sensitive matters involving employees, Workers' Compensation, and employment-related laws and legal issues.

8. Coordinates utility issues with members of the Board of Public Utilities, office of the City Attorney, City Manager, and Members of City Council as necessary.

9. Oversees utility issues with state office holders, state officials, legislators, utility lobbyists, and Government Relations. Advises management of pending legislation.

10. Directs Legal, Environmental Affairs, and Government Relations.

11. Advises on enforcement of Utility policies and non-discrimination/Affirmative Action Plans.

12. Assists the President - Chief Executive Officer, as needed, in the overall management and operation of the Utility.

13. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by the President - Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Graduate of an American Bar Association approved law school and be admitted to practice law in Missouri State Courts and Federal Courts is required at the time of hire or within 30 days thereafter. Minimum of fifteen years' experience as a practicing attorney at the senior management or partner level, senior corporate counsel, or a senior level attorney with a governmental agency is required. Five years of experience in the utility or energy field is preferred. Exceptional related experience may be considered in lieu of utility or energy experience. An attorney with community experience and knowledge of utilities or public entity organizations and their governance and operations is preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

* Current license to practice law in Missouri at the time of hire or within 30 days thereafter.
* Must have a valid Missouri driver's license (minimum Class F).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Excellent leadership and strategic management skills in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, employees, the Board of Public Utilities, the CU Citizens' Advisory Council, and City Council.
* Extensive working knowledge of procedures applicable to all functions of law practice including litigation, administrative, and office practice.
* Ability to:
o Provide legal advice to senior management in multi-faceted corporate or government environments.
o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.
* Excellent ability to work under high stress levels, with frequent interruptions, and with tight and often changing deadlines.
* Exhibit a high level of professionalism and integrity in all personal and business activities.
* Ensure EEO/AAP compliance according to CU's policy 2.29 as well as all other company policies.

Physical Requirements:

Typically, sedentary work. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Must be able to work in stressful situations involving employees and the public.

Working Conditions:

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

* Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
* Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

TESTING:
Testing may be required.