Associate General Counsel Program Integrity Lead - Staff Attorney 3

Minnesota Department of Education; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Associate General Counsel Program Integrity Lead at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will provide legal guidance to MDE staff and leadership on statutes and rules affecting MDE, with a focus on program integrity initiatives.

The role requires delivering training and strategic advice to assigned business units, ensuring compliance and sound legal judgment across programs. This position supports a hybrid telework arrangement and emphasizes collaboration with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current Minnesota license or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• At least five years practicing attorney in law firm or public sector.
• Drafting and reviewing policies and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with federal/state regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with education or childhood nutrition law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and strategies to MDE staff and leadership.
• Serve as subject matter expert on statutes and rules affecting MDE.
• Focus on program integrity initiatives administered by MDE.
• Provide training and guidance to assigned business units.

Skills

Drafting policies

Regulatory compliance

Education law knowledge

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Minnesota license eligibility within six months

5+ years practicing attorney

Job description

• Education Background Check

Working Title: Associate General Counsel Program Integrity Lead

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID: 96844
• Location: Minneapolis
• Telework Eligible: Yes - up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to bidders and all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 9/10/26.
• Date Posted: 09/04/2026
• Closing Date: 09/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / General Counsel
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• 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: Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above AND you must email [e-mail] with your intent to bid.

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.

As the Associate General Counsel Program Integrity Lead with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will provide legal advice and strategies to MDE staff and leadership and serve as a subject matter expert on statutes and rules under the jurisdiction of or affecting MDE, with a focus on program integrity matter programs administered and overseen by MDE. This position will provide advice and training to assigned business units.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire;
• At least five (5) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge bases:

• Drafting and reviewing policies, practices, procedures, and communications related to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with federal and state regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with legal issues in education or childhood nutrition, such as conducting research, reviewing statutes or regulations, or supporting policy development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal compliance, regulatory law, internal investigations, internal controls, or risk management.
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience working for a government entity.
• Sound decision making and exercise of professional judgement and discretion.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

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

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veterans

To be considered with¿Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to [e-mail] by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

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
• 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

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, please contact us at [e-mail].