Deputy General Counsel - General Counsel 1

Job summary

Serve as the agency’s second-ranking legal officer, providing legal advice, direction, and supervision to program units on matters including grants, financial aid, and federal grant processing. Independently manage diverse legal work, advise on applicable Minnesota statutes and administrative rules, and serve as a liaison with the Attorney General’s Office and the Governor’s Office General Counsel.

Job details

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel Job Class: General Counsel 1 Agency: Minnesota Office of Higher Education Job ID: 97351 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Temporary Job Expected End Date: 11/02/2029 Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 09/30/2026 Closing Date: 10/21/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Higher Education / Manager's Plan Division/Unit: Legal and Compliance Division Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $102,346 - $155,159 / annually Classified Status: Unclassified Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. The position serves as a focal point for several programs administered by the Office of Higher Education regarding all legal matters and issues. As the second-ranking legal officer in the agency, this role serves various mission-driven program units of the Agency by providing legal advice and counsel, legal direction, and supervision of legal activities. These functions may include guidance regarding the Office’s grants, financial aid, federal grant processing, and other activities. Serves as one of the Office’s contacts with the Attorney General’s Office and Governor’s Office General Counsel, and an Office resource regarding Minnesota Statutes Chapter 136A, and Minnesota Administrative Rules 4800 through 4890. The Deputy General Counsel manages legal work that includes the practice of law in multiple diverse areas of specialization. The Deputy General Counsel makes decisions independently with delegation for decision-making from the General Counsel and the Commissioner. The incumbent is given overall objectives but must determine how those objectives will be achieved. This role is expected to demonstrate the following State of Minnesota leadership competencies: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organization, Leading Outside the Organization, and Getting Work Done. This position is temporary, with current funding through November 2029. Minimum Qualifications A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school. License in good-standing to practice law in Minnesota, maintaining CLE requirements. Five (5) years of relevant legal experience. Considerable knowledge of legal concepts and the meaning and significance of various types of legal documents, such as contracts. Superior communication skills and the ability to relate and communicate effectively with a wide range of people and customers. Exercise overall sound judgment in a variety of situations and maintain a calm and professional demeanor in any situation. Preferred Qualifications Admission to federal district court in Minnesota. Expert knowledge of strategic planning, management, and public policy development. Experience with bankruptcy proceedings. Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Physical Requirements Ability to position self and move sufficiently to perform repetitive tasks. Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Ability to travel to and from courthouses throughout the state. Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of the following: SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only) Criminal History Check Employment Reference Check Social Security Verification How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Kaochi Pha at Kaochi.Pha@state.mn.us or 651-259-3943. 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 Kaochi Pha at Kaochi.Pha@state.mn.us. About The Minnesota Office Of Higher Education The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research, and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance, and trends. Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their work Connection with their coworkers and communities Opportunities for personal and professional growth Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your Benefits May Include Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals Training, classes, and professional development Tuition reimbursement Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care 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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

What you’ll do

Serve as the agency’s second-ranking legal officer, providing legal advice, direction, and supervision to program units on matters including grants, financial aid, and federal grant processing. Independently manage diverse legal work, advise on applicable Minnesota statutes and administrative rules, and serve as a liaison with the Attorney General’s Office and the Governor’s Office General Counsel.

Requirements

Requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, an active Minnesota law license in good standing with continuing legal education, and five years of relevant legal experience. Candidates should have strong knowledge of legal concepts and documents, excellent communication and judgment, while federal district court admission, strategic planning, public policy, bankruptcy experience, and cross-cultural collaboration are preferred.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation And Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Fertility Care
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pension Plan
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tax-Free Expense Accounts
• Training And Professional Development
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Listed skills

• management · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Legal Advice And Counsel
• Legal Research And Analysis
• Legal Direction
• Legal Supervision
• Contract Knowledge
• Strategic Planning
• Management
• Public Policy Development
• Bankruptcy Proceedings
• Communication
• Sound Judgment
• Minnesota Law
• Federal Grant Processing
• Financial Aid
• Grant Administration
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Job areas

• Legal
• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Education

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