Paralegal/Contract Manager - Latham, United States - U.S. Light Energy

Description

Paralegal/Contract Manager

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000

Reports to: CFO

About Us:

U.S. Light Energy is searching for a Paralegal/Contract Manager to join our New York team working out of our office in Latham, NY. U.S. Light Energy is a growing and dynamic company in the solar renewable energy industry, focused on Community Solar in the Northeastern United States. We believe that everyone should have access to clean, renewable energy, and the most equitable way to achieve that is through human-scaled Community Solar projects that meet a community's energy and climate goals at the local level. We have more than 550MWs of New York Community Solar projects in development and are currently building out these projects and actively adding additional generation capacity.

Job Description: We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Paralegal/Contract Manager to join our legal team. The Paralegal/Contract Manager will play a key role in supporting our business operations by drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to solar projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for renewable energy.

Essential functions:

• Contract Oversight: Spearhead the drafting, negotiation, and review processes for a diverse array of legal documents, focusing on solar installation agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), lease agreements, and vendor contracts. Ensure these documents align seamlessly with legal standards, regulatory requirements, and the company's strategic objectives.
• Compliance and Regulation Adherence: Vigilantly ensure all contracts are in strict compliance with relevant laws, regulations, corporate policies, and industry benchmarks, safeguarding the company's interests.
• Lifecycle Management: Efficiently manage the entire contract lifecycle from inception through to execution, including renewals and terminations, optimizing operational efficiency and mitigating risks.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as the linchpin between internal teams, external partners, and legal counsel to address and resolve any contract-related concerns, ensuring a harmonious and productive working environment.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records and documentation of contracts, including a comprehensive contract database, ensuring ready access and organizational transparency.
• Legal Research and Support: Contribute to legal research efforts, prepare analytical reports on legal issues and regulations, and support the legal department across a spectrum of governance, compliance, and risk management activities.
• Industry Insight: Keep abreast of legislative changes, regulatory shifts, and emerging trends within the renewable energy sector, enabling proactive adjustments to legal strategies and operations.

Competencies:

• Ability to exercise confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment.
• Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required; Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience working as a paralegal, contract manager, or legal assistant, preferably in the renewable energy industry.
• Strong understanding of contract law, contract drafting principles, and contract management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and contract management software (e.g., DocuSign, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Paralegal certification or equivalent professional credentials are a plus.

Work environment:

5-Day Work Week with Flexible Options

At U.S. Light Energy, we understand the importance of a balanced work life, and we strive to provide a supportive and dynamic work environment for our team. Our standard workweek consists of five days, fostering a sense of routine and structure. We recognize that flexibility is key to productivity and employee satisfaction. Our hybrid work model allows employees the flexibility to choose between working in the office and remotely. This approach enables our team members to strike a balance between the collaborative benefits of in-person interactions and the comfort of remote work.

Fully Remote Options

For those who are not in commuting distance to Latham, NY, U.S. Light Energy offers the option to work fully remotely. Our commitment to providing technologically advanced and inclusive remote work experience ensures that our team members can contribute effectively from any location.

Collaboration and Connectivity

Regardless of your chosen work setup, our collaborative tools and communication platforms empower seamless interactions among team members. Regular team meetings, virtual collaboration spaces, and open lines of communication contribute to a cohesive and connected work environment.

Physical demands:

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

☐ Never ☐ Occasionally X Constantly

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

☐Never X Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Travel required:

This position is based in our headquarters with no anticipated travel.

Required education and experience:

• Educational Foundation: An Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or a closely related field is mandatory. A Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, or similar discipline is highly preferred.
• Professional Experience: Demonstrated experience in a paralegal, contract management, or legal assistant role, with a preference for backgrounds in the renewable energy domain.
• Legal Proficiency: A robust understanding of contract law, including drafting, negotiation, and management principles, tailored to the renewable energy context.
• Communication Excellence: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the adeptness to distill complex legal jargon for diverse audiences.
• Detail-Oriented Approach: Unparalleled attention to detail and organizational skills, complemented by the capacity to manage time effectively across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with contract management platforms (e.g., DocuSign).
• Work Ethic: An autonomous and collaborative working style, capable of thriving in a dynamic environment, balancing a variety of tasks and responsibilities.
• Certifications: Paralegal certification or equivalent professional accreditation is advantageous, as is a New York Notary Public.

EEO statement: U.S. Light Energy embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package including:

Company paid

Health Insurance

401k with Company matching

Generous paid vacation

Revenue Sharing

Paid training and education opportunities

Our workplace culture promotes sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.

Please direct Resumes and inquiries to:

Human Resources

U.S. Light Energy

8 British American Blvd.

Latham, NY 12110