General Counsel

Ensuring every child receives a quality education, no matter their race or zip code.
The Minnesota Department of Education serves a wide and diverse range of groups: K-12 students and their families; young children participating in a variety of early learning programs including Head Start and Early Childhood Family Education; adult learners participating in adult education programs including GED and citizenship programs; school districts; charter schools; teachers; libraries and librarians.
MDE values: Collaboration: Partner and serve for the greater good.
Leadership: Take ownership and responsibility.
Equity: Innovate for justice, fairness and inclusion.
Job Details Working Title: General Counsel Job Class: General Counsel 3 Agency: Education Department Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 12/13/2023 Closing Date: 01/03/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-CO-Managerial Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Commissioner of Education Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $56.
30 - $80.
54 / hourly; $117,554 - $168,167 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive Telework Eligible: Yes - Telework arrangements may be possible.
You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement.
Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis.
Work Location: Minneapolis Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job.
Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary In this position, you will serve as the General Counsel for the Minnesota Department of Education providing oversight for the Department's legal affairs including: Providing strategic legal advice to the Commissioner and executive management to ensure the department's operations, programs and policies are administered in compliance with applicable legal requirements; Advising on all complex legal issues with a focus on appropriate consideration of risk exposure and balancing of operational needs; Providing litigation defense in a particularly litigious environment and negotiating resolution of matters in state, federal, and administrative venues, advising and drafting legislative and regulatory proposals; Serving as the legal expert as a member of the Commissioner's executive management team; and Providing leadership to the Office of the General Counsel.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school; Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota; At least seven (7) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm, state agency or public sector setting, including history of providing legal advice to clients and executive level leadership.
Experience must include the following demonstrated skill, abilities and knowledge bases: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to executives and management on these issues; Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct; Ability to think creatively and approach projects and tasks from a continuous improvement perspective; Strong legal writing, legal analysis, and verbal communication skills; Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated legal interested in issues relating to K-12 and adult education, childhood nutrition education, and/or libraries; Professional level experience interpreting, analyzing, researching and advising all levels of management on complex legal and policy requirements, in one or more of the following areas: data privacy and security, administrative law, contract law, grantmaking, or labor and employment law; Experience drafting legislation; Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts; Experience drafting administrative rules or administrative procedures; Experience managing outside counsel; Experience planning and delivering complex legal training to non-legal audiences.
Additional Requirements Individuals who are selected for an interview will be requested to complete a writing assignment.
Application Details How to Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page.
If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.
mn.
us.
For additional information about the application process, go to https://www.
mn.
gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Kate Elling at katherine.
elling@state.
mn.
us or 651-582-8558.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kate Elling at katherine.
elling@state.
mn.
us.
Why Work for Us Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve.
The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony.
As an employee, your benefits may include: Public pension plan Training and professional development Paid vacation and sick leave 11 paid holidays each year Paid parental leave Low-cost medical and dental coverage Prescription drug coverage Vision coverage Wellness programs and resources Employer paid life insurance Short-term and long-term disability Health care spending and savings accounts Dependent care spending account Tax-deferred compensation Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers.
The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities.
If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.
mn.
us and indicate what assistance is needed.