Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel - Staff Attorney 3
Job Class: Staff Attorney 3
Agency: Education Department
Job ID : 94845
Location : Minneapolis
Telework Eligible : Yes - up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/17/2026
Closing Date : 06/30/2026
Bid Open: 06/17/2026
Bid Close: 06/23/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Office of Inspector General
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $42.94 - $63.69 / hourly; $89,658 - $132,984 / 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 AND you must email hr.recruiting.mde@state.mn.us with your intent to bid.
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.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.
Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
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:
Legal analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving - including analyzing complex and often ambiguous legal issues, conducting independent research, identifying multiple options, evaluating risk, and making sound legal recommendations to leadership.
High-quality written and verbal communication skills - including drafting clear and well-reasoned legal memoranda, advisory opinions, or briefs, and presenting legal analysis to executives, investigators, or other decision-makers.
Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards, including confidentiality, data privacy requirements, and attorney conduct rules.
Experience applying rules of evidence and criminal and/or civil procedure during litigation, investigations, or administrative hearings.
Experience providing legal advice related to civil and/or criminal investigations, including issues such as due process, evidence management, data privacy, search and seizure, or ethics.
Litigation experience (criminal, civil, or administrative), litigation experience means representing clients in hearings, trials, or other adversarial proceedings were evidence is admitted and arguments before a tribunal occurred.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience prosecuting, investigating, or litigating financial crimes, fraud, misuse of public funds, or other complex financial misconduct.
Experience working in a county or state attorney's office, including criminal prosecution and/or Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) matters.
Experience representing state agencies in administrative hearings, appeals, or rulemaking matters.
Experience advising on or responding to complex data-practices and data-privacy matters under state or federal law.
Experience coordinating or collaborating with law-enforcement partners, prosecutorial agencies, or oversight entities in connection with investigations or legal proceedings.
Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing agency-wide legal policies, procedures, or guidance.
Experience developing or delivering legal training to attorneys, investigators, or agency staff.
Experience managing or directing the work of attorneys, legal staff, or multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and navigate issues with competing priorities.
Legislative experience, including reviewing bills, analyzing proposed statutory changes, or participating in agency rulemaking.
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
Driver's License Check
Criminal Background Check
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.
