ATTORNEY II

Position Summary 

The Arkansas Department of Commerce Attorney II will function as the ACOM Chief Comm & Legislative Affairs. The ACOM Director of Legislative Affairs & Policies provides briefing information to the Chief of Staff and Department Secretary, responds to Freedom of Information requests, represents the department in various task forces, leads ACOM strategic planning efforts, leads initiatives for legislative and policy changes and serves as liaison to governmental organizations and entities.

Preferred Qualification

Juris Doctor Degree

Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols.

Knowledge of legal terminology.

Knowledge of the ethical standards of the legal profession.

Knowledge of investigative standards, procedures, and techniques.

Knowledge of Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requirements

Ability to perform legal research.

Ability to draft and negotiate legal documents on the agency's behalf.

Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy and content.

Ability to handle confidential information.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and other relevant legal and agency contacts.

Ability to work independently.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results 

Providing technical assistance to the Agency by writing, editing, and proofing brochures, manuals, reports, letters, etc.; developing PowerPoint presentations.

Initiating and participating in the development of the Agency’s economic development strategy.

Leading the process of conducting internal and external interviews to solicit input for the planning process.

Contributing to the writing of the strategic plan; assisting in the preparation of annual updates, tracking and reporting progress/success.

Special Projects.

Legislative session planning.

Drafting the Agency’s legislative package.

Developing presentations to communicate proposed/enacted legislation.

Monitoring all proposed legislation that may impact our Agency or the business climate in Arkansas.

Assigning staff coverage for monitoring relevant legislative committees.

Working with the Executive Director to develop a strategy to influence the passage of desirable economic development legislation.

Serves as liaison to governmental organizations and entities.

Reviewing both economic development strategies and proposed legislation with the appropriate partners.

Helping to administer General Improvement Fund grants to cities and counties.

Managing the daily operations and budget functions of the Strategic Planning and Legislative Division including developing, monitoring and revising the budget.

Approving contracts, purchase requests, travel and reimbursement requests, MOU’s, etc..

Approving/disapproving a variety of actions/policies/procedures/recommendations; and coordinating work assignments and monitoring projects.

Directing professional development for Strategic Planning team members by coaching subordinates in goal establishment and development.

Locating and evaluating professional development training opportunities.

Performing semi-annual and annual performance reviews.

Coaching for performance improvement.

Assisting subordinates with short term and long-term career planning.

Performing other duties as assigned.

Key Business Processes

1. Leading process of developing the Agency’s strategic plan.
2. Leading legislative initiatives and strategies.
3. Serving as agency liaison to governmental organizations and entities.
4. Managing staff and activities of Strategic Planning and Research division.