Legal and Contracts Assistant bei Virginia Spaceport Authority

SUMMARY 

General Description: The Virginia Spaceport Authority (VSA) seeks an experienced Legal and Contracts Assistant to serve as a key legal support professional responsible for paralegal services, contract document management, compliance coordination, and administrative law functions. This multifaceted role combines legal expertise with operational efficiency to support VSA's mission of advancing Virginia's commercial space industry while ensuring full regulatory compliance and transparent governance.  

Responsibilities and Duties:   

1. Provide comprehensive paralegal support to the General Counsel in all legal matters 
2. Conduct general legal research on aerospace law, commercial space regulations, and state/federal compliance requirements 
3. Draft and review legal documents, correspondence, and memoranda 
4. Maintain legal databases and case management systems 
5. Serve as the designated FOIA Officer for all public records requests 
6. Process, review, and respond to FOIA requests within statutory timeframes 
7. Determine appropriate exemptions and redactions in consultation with General Counsel 
8. Maintain FOIA request logs and annual reporting requirements 
9. Develop and update FOIA policies and procedures 
10. Train staff on FOIA compliance and public records management 
11. Serve as designated Records Retention Officer 
12. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive records retention schedules 
13. Ensure compliance with Virginia Public Records Act and federal record-keeping requirements 
14. Coordinate records disposition, including destruction and transfer to archives 
15. Conduct regular audits of records management practices across all departments 
16. Train staff on proper records management procedures 
17. Maintain relationships with the Library of Virginia and other archival institutions 
18. Organize and maintain all VSA contracts, agreements, and procurement documents 
19. Develop and implement contract filing and tracking systems 
20. Monitor contract compliance, deadlines, and renewal dates 
21. Coordinate with procurement staff on contracting processes and procedures 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

General Education 

Job-Related Experience:  

• Minimum 5 years of executive-level support experience 
• 3+ years of experience in government or public sector environment 
• Experience with FOIA or public records management 
• Demonstrated experience in contract document organization 
• Experience working with political subdivisions, localities, and/or authorities in Virginia 

Certifications:  

• Virginia FOIA training completion required within 90 days of hire 
• Ability to obtain and maintain NASA access card  
• Preferred: Professional certifications that demonstrate expertise in process improvement and project management methodologies  

Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary when operating a vehicle while on agency business.  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Knowledge:  

• Strong understanding of Virginia FOIA and Public Records Act 
• Knowledge of federal and state contracting regulations 
• Experience with document management systems and databases 

Skills:  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities 
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadline
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills 

Abilities:  

• Proficiency in adapting to new technologies 

Core Competencies:  

• Legal Acumen: Demonstrates sound understanding of legal principles and regulatory requirements 
• Compliance Focus: Maintains unwavering commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance 
• Organizational Excellence: Exceptional ability to manage complex filing systems and multiple priorities 
• Communication Skills: Clear, professional communication with diverse stakeholders 
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable with evolving legal and administrative technologies 
• Discretion and Ethics: Handles confidential information with appropriate care and judgment 
• Collaborative Approach: Works effectively across departments and with external partners   

Physical Demands: Work is light requiring lifting of computer equipment and involves typical office behaviors.    

Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting.  

Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a NASA credential. 

Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test. 

Salary is dependent on experience.