Closing Date: 25th August, 2026
Description:
Job Details:Working Title: Senior Associate General Counsel
Job Class: Staff Attorney 3
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID: 96092
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes*, up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/16/2026. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
- Date Posted: 08/11/2026
- Closing Date: 08/25/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / MAPE
- Division/Unit: DCYF / OIG Legal Unit 1
- Work Shift: Day Shift
- Work Hours: 8 :00 AM- 4:30 PM
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No*
- Salary Range: $43.69 - $64.80 / hourly; $91,224 - $135,302 / 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.
Job Summary:
Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
Research and provide legal advice and strategies to assigned business units of the Department's Regulatory and Enforcement programs, Department staff, regulated providers and programs, and the general public regarding application of statutes and rules under DCYF's jurisdiction. Assigned business units for this incumbent include regulatory and enforcement units overseeing childcare centers.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide legal research and advice on applicability and interpretation of all aspects of regulation related to childcare centers (“assigned business units”). Legal research and advice require a deep understanding of all relevant state and federal laws to discern applicability and parameters of acceptable legal interpretations that satisfy both state and federal requirements. Applicable laws include but are not limited to state laws for licensing, background studies, and program integrity, and federal laws, guidance, and related state plans that inform interpretation of state laws. Applicable federal laws include but are not limited to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).
- Provide legal analysis and legal advice with respect to the application of state and federal statutes, rules, and case law to fact situations under review or investigation by assigned business units.
- Conduct legal analysis and provide legal advice and practical assistance to Department policy staff and General Counsel's Office in development of grant and other programs to assure inclusion of program integrity aspects that are enforceable by Department staff in incumbent's assigned business units.
- Advise, negotiate, and draft professional and technical contracts, master contracts, work order contracts, annual plans, amendments to contracts, requests for proposals, interagency agreements, and joint powers agreements (collectively herein, “contracts”) as needed for assigned business units.
- Serve as the Minnesota Government Data Practices designee for assigned business units.
- Provide legal analysis, legal advice, and practical assistance to assigned business units within the Department with regard to all aspects of rulemaking.
- To be deliberate in fostering positive interpersonal relationships with coworkers, managers, and customers so all are treated in a respectful, professional, and humane manner.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
*To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**
- JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
- Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk).
- Experience developing legal strategies and providing legal advice to executive level leadership.
- Experience with the legislative process and federal and state laws.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a range of stakeholders including government entities, advocacy groups and the public.
- Experience with Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or equivalent state or federal privacy laws
- Litigation experience, which may include direct litigation experience, judicial clerking, and case adjudication as a criminal, civil, or administrative law judge.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to integrate complex non-legal factors to develop legal advice and strategies in high profile matters.
- Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence and strategic leadership, change management.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a large and varied constituency, including legislators and legislative staff, the Attorney General's Office, state local and federal agencies, professional and advocacy groups, as well as the general public and Identify common ground for parties with varied interests and build consensus toward solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and convey competency, equanimity, and collaboration in stressful situations.
- Analytical skills to assimilate information and apply it in strategic, decision-making processes.
- Facilitate conflict resolution and ensure competing interests are appropriately balanced.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements:
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
- Reference check
- Criminal Background check
- Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
- Driver's License Check
- Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
- Additional assessment may be required during the interview process
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 Lindsay Magnuson at Lindsay.Magnuson@state.mn.us.
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 Richard Howatt at richard.howatt@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.
About Children Youth & Families Dept
- Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.
- This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth