Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 2

Minnesota Office of Higher Education; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework Eligible

Job summary

Minnesota Office of Higher Education seeks an Associate General Counsel to support the SELF Loan program through bankruptcy analysis, complaint responses, and policy documentation. The role involves litigation support, compliance reviews, and staff training across the division.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and an active Minnesota and federal license. Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are essential candidates for this regular,

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Active, good-standing license to practice law in Minnesota state and federal courts.
• Minimum of three years of relevant legal experience with a significant litigation focus.
• Familiarity with government program operations is expected.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership and team-building skills to align multiple objectives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Associate General Counsel for the SELF Loan program.
• Handle bankruptcy reviews, CFPB complaints, and policy documentation.
• Oversee defaulted loan collections, litigation support, and compliance reviews.
• Provide training and support to SELF staff and partners across the division.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Collaboration & teamwork

Leadership & team-building

Legal research & litigation focus

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Licensed to practice in Minnesota state and federal courts (active, good standing)

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Office of Higher Education

• Job ID: 97284
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• 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 / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Legal and Compliance Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes; Up to 25% within the State of Minnesota
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,835 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state 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. The SELF Loan program is the state's alternative student loan, providing students with a low-interest option when comparing to private lenders.

The Associate General Counsel is primarily responsible for the legal needs of the SELF Loan program. The work of this position includes bankruptcy review, CFPB complaint response, documentation of loan program policies and procedures, defaulted loan collections and litigation, disability forgiveness reviews, fraud claim reviews, loan rehabilitation reviews, marketing material review, multistate compliance, trademark submissions, and loan staff training and support for working with customers in legal statuses. The position will provide support to SELF staff who receive calls from borrowers and cosigners. As required, incumbent provides general legal and compliance backup for the division.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
• Current license in good-standing in Minnesota state and federal courts.
• Three (3) years relevant legal experience, with a significant litigation focus.
• Familiarity with the workings and activities of government programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Highly developed human relations and collaborative skills to effectively work with diverse interests in settings with multiple outcome goals.
• Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish contractual objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years relevant legal experience.
• Admission to Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and/or South Dakota state and federal courts.
• Knowledge and experience with bankruptcy law.
• Knowledge and experience with contract administration.
• Knowledge and experience with trademarks.
• Knowledge and experience with RFP process, Minnesota Data Practices Act, and other relevant regulations.
• 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 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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and indicate what assistance is needed.