Working Title: Associate Counsel
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID : 88264
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/18/2025
Closing Date : 09/09/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit : Financial Mgmt &Administration
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / 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
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.
We are seeking an Associate Counsel to provide legal assistance, advice, guidance, and training to Department of Administration (Admin) team members on the application of law, statutes, administrative rules, and policies under Admin's jurisdiction. In this newly established role, this position will also serve as the agency Data Practices Compliance Official and Rulemaking Coordinator; and review, research, and draft Findings of Fact and Orders related to appeals under Admin's certification authority.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Providing legal consultation and advice to leadership on questions of legal interpretations.
Providing employment related legal analysis and advice to Admin's SmART (Small Agency Resource Team) Program Director and related human resources and finance functions.
Providing legal review, technical analysis, and input so that respective business objectives are achieved in a legal and timely manner.
Assisting in developing policies, documents, and protocols for compliance with applicable laws to ensure the smooth, effective, and legal operation of programs and services.
Serving as back-up to the General Counsel, as needed, in representing Admin.
This position is eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.
J.D. degree from an accredited law school and a current license (in good standing) to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
Four (4) years of legal experience conducting legal research, legal writing, analysis, and interpretations; and providing legal advice and consultation to others (i.e., leadership, staff, and partners).
Comprehensive knowledge with federal and state laws relating to employment law, Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, the Official Records Act, and the Records Management Act.
Strong communication and dispute resolution skills to identify and address problems through provision of efficient and effective legal and/or business advice, along with ability to analyze needs to provide input and direction for a strategic policy.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex legal exceptions and exemptions to provide sound, accurate, and practical legal advice.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and human relations skills to establish and maintain productive and professional working relationships with leadership and internal and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to draft proposed legislation and amendments, and administrative rules.
Experience reviewing and drafting contracts, grant agreements, shared services agreements, joint powers agreements, lease agreements, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and other legal documents.
Experience developing, facilitating, and/or conducting trainings/educational materials and sessions.
Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a high-volume and high-pressure environment with competing priorities.
Ability to deal with ambiguity and non-routine processes.
Experience working with a wide variety of individuals with different backgrounds and at different position levels.
Commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Additional Requirements
A writing sample may be requested as part of the screening and selection process.
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check and education verification through American Databank and employment reference checks (where applicable) prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
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.
