Closing Date: 21st October, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
The Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state 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. The SELF Loan program is the state's alternative student loan, providing students with a low-interest option when comparing to private lenders.

The Associate General Counsel is primarily responsible for the legal needs of the SELF Loan program. The work of this position includes bankruptcy review, CFPB complaint response, documentation of loan program policies and procedures, defaulted loan collections and litigation, disability forgiveness reviews, fraud claim reviews, loan rehabilitation reviews, marketing material review, multistate compliance, trademark submissions, and loan staff training and support for working with customers in legal statuses. The position will provide support to SELF staff who receive calls from borrowers and cosigners. As required, incumbent provides general legal and compliance backup for the division.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
Current license in good-standing in Minnesota state and federal courts.
Three (3) years relevant legal experience, with a significant litigation focus.
Familiarity with the workings and activities of government programs.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Highly developed human relations and collaborative skills to effectively work with diverse interests in settings with multiple outcome goals.
Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish contractual objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

Five (5) years relevant legal experience.
Admission to Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and/or South Dakota state and federal courts.
Knowledge and experience with bankruptcy law.
Knowledge and experience with contract administration.
Knowledge and experience with trademarks.
Knowledge and experience with RFP process, Minnesota Data Practices Act, and other relevant regulations.
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
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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the 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 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.