Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel, Office of Inspector General - Staff Attorney 3

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID : 79997

• Location : Minneapolis

• 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.

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 09/12/2024

• Closing Date : 10/03/2024

• Bid Open : 09/12/2024

• Bid Close : 09/19/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Commissioner of Education

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $42.31 - $62.75 / hourly; $88,343 - $131,022 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

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.

As the Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of Inspector General with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will support the statutory mandate to investigate fraud, waste or abuse in MDE's public programs and student maltreatment investigations. Duties will include:

• Direct the activities of Investigators, analysts, and other staff on investigations and leads and/or coordinates investigations with internal and external partners;

• Act as the lead attorney for all OIG legal staff;

• Act as the legal expert on fraud, waste and abuse sufficient to conduct independent investigations into Department programs across MDE;

• Act as the legal expert on student maltreatment investigation and litigation activity;

• Support law enforcement and prosecutors in pursuing criminal prosecution;

• Provide legal advice related to recommendations for civil, administrative, or criminal actions to the Inspector General and/or MDE either during or at the conclusion of an investigation and/or prosecution;

• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training development and implementation services;

• Coordinate and manage the OIG's legal advice;

• Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and the MDE General Counsel's office regarding litigation;

• Oversee the OIG's disclosure and records management functions;

• Identify and make recommendations for and review legislation and bill analysis, and coordinates implementation of new laws and rules.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school;

• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire;

• At least four (4) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, 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;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice on a variety of legal issues;

• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct;

• Experience with the Rules of Evidence, Criminal and/or Civil Procedure;

• Provide legal advice on diverse and complex civil and/or criminal investigations and related data privacy matters;

• Litigation experience in either criminal, civil or administrative actions. Litigation experience means representing a client in hearings or another similar adversarial process;

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience prosecuting or litigating financial crimes or actions;

• Experience representing a state agency in administrative actions;

• Experience consistently managing multiple complex projects at various stages of completion at one time;

• Legislative experience.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.