Associate General Counsel, Data Practices & Governance - Staff Attorney 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Cannabis Management Office is seeking an Associate General Counsel, Data Practices & Governance, to lead data privacy and governance matters. This role provides legal advice to senior leadership, coordinates compliance with MG DPA and related laws, and oversees litigation coordination plus contract review.

The position is based in Saint Paul with an expected mix of in‑person and telework, reporting to the OCM director staff.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting (Judicial Clerkship may count)
• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school
• Current Minnesota law license to practice law
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts
• Ability to advise leadership on diverse data privacy matters

Responsibilities

• Provide legal expertise to ensure compliance with state and federal laws for the OCM
• Coordinate litigation efforts and review contracts and rulemaking submissions
• Develop and implement OCM legal policies and best practices
• Perform research and produce written products for diverse audiences and purposes
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff on data governance and privacy matters

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Stakeholder management

Data privacy

Litigation coordination

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Associate General Counsel, Data Practices & Governance

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID: 97424
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/08/2026
• Closing Date: 10/22/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Cannabis Management Office / Cannabis Mgt Off - MAPE
• Division/Unit: Cannabis Management Office-OCM / OCM Director Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25%
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / 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: 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.

This position will coordinate the Office of Cannabis Management's (OMC) obligations under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and other state and federal laws regarding protection of the privacy of data subjects and accessibility of public information and serve as office’s Data Practices Compliance Official. Additionally, this position will serve as a lead attorney in Data Governance providing legal advice regarding compliance with all applicable laws and coordinating all legal functions in these areas.

This position will provide legal expertise to ensure OCM’s compliance with state and federal laws, providing legal advice on officewide and division‑specific issues, assisting the General Counsel with coordinating the office’s litigation, collaborating with other attorneys and OCM staff in legal review of contracts and rulemaking submissions, and collaborating in the development and implementation of OCM legal policies and best practices. This position will conduct legal and policy research, perform analysis on diverse and complex matters, provide legal advice, and produce written products for a variety of audiences and purposes.

This position is located in St. Paul and is required to report to the office three (3) days per week and may telework two days per week.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• At least three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting (Judicial Clerkship will count toward this criteria)
• A J.D. degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school; and
• A current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Providing legal advice to leadership on diverse and complex data privacy matters; and
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience managing data or performing data practices functions.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond to requests for information and coordinate agency response.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Records Retention laws sufficient to manage varying retention schedules.
• Knowledge and technical ability to evaluate and advise on the implementation, governance, and management of electronic data management technologies.
• Experience assisting in litigation cases.
• Experience developing and managing internal policies and procedures for managing data requests.

Additional Requirements

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal Background Check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mai Vang at [e-mail] or 651‑539‑5832.

About Cannabis Management Office

Be a part of building the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) from the group up and supporting Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. The OCM will serve as the primary regulatory agency for the state’s hew and expanding cannabis industry, (including the new adult‑use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing lower‑potency hemp edibles), issue business licenses, provide education and technical support to the new businesses, administer grants to support community reinvestment, and oversee all aspects of Minnesota's cannabis industry.

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 personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.