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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 3
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 youll 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 (link removed)

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 agencys 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 ca

State of Minnesota

Apply Online