Closing Date: 21st October, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
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.

Qualifications:
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
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 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.

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