Deputy General Counsel

Job Class: General Counsel 1

Job ID: 97351

Location: St. Paul

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Job Expected End Date: 11/02/2029

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 09/30/2026

Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Higher Education / Manager's Plan

Division/Unit: Legal and Compliance Division

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: No

Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $102,346 - $155,159 / annually

Classified Status: Unclassified

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel

Agency: Minnesota Office of Higher Education

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.

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.

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

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.

Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work

Connection with their coworkers and communities

Opportunities for p