Closing Date: 19th July, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Student Aid Commission is seeking a highly skilled General Counsel to provide top-level legal oversight, strategic direction, and expert guidance in support of our mission to deliver financial aid to 2.2 million students each year. In this executive role, the General Counsel advises the Executive Director, Commission members, and senior leadership on complex legal matters; leads strategic litigation planning; and oversees the development and management of legal policies, regulations, and compliance activities. The position also represents the Commission in legal proceedings, provides counsel on legislation and personnel matters, oversees audits and regulatory processes, and ensures effective implementation of state and federal laws across the agency.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting does not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information, visit the CalHR website (www.calhr.ca.gov).
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32360736&name=733-7500-XXXDutyStatement.pdf)
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
- Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artifical lighting.
- Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations.
- Capability to work remotely.
- This position is presently headquartered at: 11120 International Drive, Suite 100 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. This position may also be expected to report to the Downtown Sacramento location at 1102 Q Street, Suite 3150, Sacramento, CA 95811.
- This position will be a hybrid position allowing the selected candidate the opportunity to work both in the office and from home. The selected candidate will be subject to being present at in-person hearings and meetings with the legislature. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the CSAC's current telework policy. While the CSAC supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquarters location. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee's designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to the California Department of Human Resources regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Minimum Requirements:
This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.
C. E. A. (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=7500)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.
The Legal Division is responsible for providing legal services and support to the Commission, the Executive Director, Chief Deputy Director, CSAC administrators and designated staff. Legal counsel is also charged with taking the initiative to respond to emerging legal issues. The Legal Division's responsibility includes legal guidance and representation on all legal matters relating to the Commission and its programs, including undocumented student issues, use of AI technology, data exchange matters, information security and redesigning Commission administered programs and services.
Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active Membership in the California State Bar. License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Examination Information:
A minimum rating of 70% must be attained to obtain list eligibility. Hiring interviews may be conducted with the most qualified candidates. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results. The result of this examination will be used to fill the position of General Counsel, Legal Division with the CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION.
The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position.
Applicants who fail to submit all components of the exam documents as described below and in this exam bulletin, may be eliminated from the exam process.
The exam will consist of a review of each candidate's application, résumé, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and is weighted 100%. The SOQ must identify the applicant's experience, education, certification, and training in their response to each of the below “Desirable Qualifications”. The SOQ serves as documentation in responding to the Desirable Qualifications.
The SOQ must be typed and no more than four (4) pages in length, 12-point font, single spaced, on 8 ½”X11” paper. Each answer should address each of the desirable qualifications, numbered separately for each bulleted item. Responses must be complete, specific, clear, and concise. Please clearly title your documents as the “Statement of Qualifications”. Résumés and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.
Application Instructions:
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/19/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
C. E. A. (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=7500)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=521882)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32360736&name=733-7500-XXXDutyStatement.pdf)
Department Information:
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.
The Legal Division is responsible for providing legal services and support to the Commission, the Executive Director, Chief Deputy Director, CSAC administrators and designated staff. Legal counsel is also charged with taking the initiative to respond to emerging legal issues. The Legal Division's responsibility includes legal guidance and representation on all legal matters relating to the Commission and its programs, including undocumented student issues, use of AI technology, data exchange matters, information security and redesigning Commission administered programs and services.
Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active Membership in the California State Bar. License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Examination Information:
A minimum rating of 70% must be attained to obtain list eligibility. Hiring interviews may be conducted with the most qualified candidates. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results. The result of this examination will be used to fill the position of General Counsel, Legal Division with the CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION.
The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position.
Applicants who fail to submit all components of the exam documents as described below and in this exam bulletin, may be eliminated from the exam process.
The exam will consist of a review of each candidate's application, résumé, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and is weighted 100%. The SOQ must identify the applicant's experience, education, certification, and training in their response to each of the below “Desirable Qualifications”. The SOQ serves as documentation in responding to the Desirable Qualifications.
The SOQ must be typed and no more than four (4) pages in length, 12-point font, single spaced, on 8 ½”X11” paper. Each answer should address each of the desirable qualifications, numbered separately for each bulleted item. Responses must be complete, specific, clear, and concise. Please clearly title your documents as the “Statement of Qualifications”. Résumés and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.
Application Instructions:
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/19/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (USPS)
Attn: HR Office
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
Human Resources Office (USPS)
Attn: HR Office
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (DO)
Recruitment
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Human Resources Office (DO)
Recruitment
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application package. Please refer to the "Special Requirements" Section for instructions.
