Assistant General Counsel, Open Records Officer

Title: Assistant General Counsel, Open Records OfficerDepartment: General CounselSalary Range: $93,322 - $121,556For forward-thinking administrators and educators, opportunities abound in the School District of Philadelphia. The School District of Philadelphia is committed to transforming the education opportunities it offers the city's more than 203,000 school-aged children. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools, principals and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?Job SummaryProvides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees on a wide array of legal issues. Responds to public records requests. Represents the School District before the Office of Open Records and other legal proceedings regarding Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) matters. Responds to claims filed related to personal injury or property damage. Provides comprehensive advice and guidance to the Board, and various other District departments on claim management, RTKL and other information requests including application of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, and related issues and administrative or legal proceedings. Collaborates on projects with other members of the General Counsel.Essential FunctionsRight to Know Law Specialty· Serves as Open Records Officer for the School District and the Board of Education; provides legal representation to the School District and Board of Education in responding to requests for public records under the RTKL.· Reviews and coordinates requests for records; identifies departments and offices which maintain the records and gathers records; evaluates public status of records and prepares responses either granting, denying, or partially denying requests; maintains electronic or paper copies of written requests including all documents produced.· Represents the District and Board of Education during administrative appeals to the Office of Open Records; coordinates with senior attorneys to represent the District and Board in appeals to the Court of Common Pleas, Commonwealth or Supreme Court. · Provides guidance on application of other various nondisclosure or confidentiality laws in relation to contract drafting, document or information publication, media requests, data requests and other requests by the public, media, contractors, and commercial or non-profit organizations.Minimum Requirements· Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.· Three years of full-time, paid, professional legal experience in a law firm, public sector law department or corporate law department.· Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and membership in good standing and for litigator's admission to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. OR· Eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment and are active members in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state and in compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance periodNote: All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesDemonstrated knowledge of:o the common laws and the state and federal laws particularly as they relate to administrative, fiscal and regulatory functions of the School District.o judicial proceedings and of the rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.o the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.o the principles and practices of governmental laws.o the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.Demonstrated ability too analyze, organize and evaluate the evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for all written presentations such as memos, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.o analyze legal documents and instruments.o draft legal instruments and propose legislation.o negotiate terms and conditions successfully.o manage a detail-oriented workload.o organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods.o collaborate with colleagues and District clients.o exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact required.o handle matters outside areas of familiarity.o manage stress.o handle multiple concurrent tasks.o review and process information within a computerized web system throughout the majority of the workday.o travel as required.o express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.o establish and maintain effective working relationships.DisclaimerThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.NondiscriminationThe School District of Philadelphia provides to all persons equal access to all categories of employment in this District, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 104 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.

Created: 2025-03-07