Chief Legal Officer - Education Policy & Strategy

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Everett (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education seeks a General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer who will serve as the department's chief legal officer, reporting directly to the Commissioner. The role oversees legal strategy, litigation, and compliance, and leads the department’s Legal Office to support BESE, policy units, and DESE leadership.

Key responsibilities include advising on state and federal education and employment laws, drafting legislation and contracts, and

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing and eligible to practice law in MA.
• Eight (8) years of full-time or equivalent professional experience in business/public administration or legal practice, with at least five (5) years in a managerial capacity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief legal officer for DESE and report to the Commissioner.
• Provide timely, strategic legal advice to the Commissioner, BESE, and senior DESE staff.
• Advise on state and federal education laws and employment laws.
• Lead and mentor attorneys and staff in the Legal Office.
• Oversee Legal Office operations, including budget and reporting.
• Draft and review legislation, regulations, contracts, and legal memoranda.
• Collaborate with the Attorney General's Office in litigation matters.
• Represent DESE in interagency meetings and other official duties.

Skills

Legal analysis

Written communication

Leadership

Public education law

Administrative law

Strategic thinking

Confidentiality

Job description

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education seeks a General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer who will serve as the department's chief legal officer, reporting directly to the Commissioner. The role oversees legal strategy, litigation, and compliance, and leads the department’s Legal Office to support BESE, policy units, and DESE leadership.

Key responsibilities include advising on state and federal education and employment laws, drafting legislation and contracts, and