Division Director - Education

Socket.dev; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The Office of the Utah Attorney General seeks a Division Director to lead the Education Division, delivering legal counsel to public and higher education systems, including boards and universities. The role emphasizes preventative law, compliance, risk management, and strategic oversight.

Preference for applicants with state agency representation and management experience, plus the ability to handle complex litigation and mentor attorneys and staff.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.
• Experience representing and litigating the public’s interest.
• Curiosity to learn a wide range of topics and teams.
• Demonstrates interpersonal and management skills.
• Experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Superb writing skills.
• Knowledge of procedural rules for civil litigation.
• Commitment to high work-product, professionalism, and ethics.
• Knowledge of modern technology in the practice of law.
• Ten+ years of relevant post-law school experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to Utah’s education systems and institutions.
• Manage budget, supervise directors and attorneys, mentor staff.
• Collaborate with client agencies to maintain high standards.
• Handle litigating complex cases in federal/state courts, including discovery.
• Lead with listening, writing, and communication to build a team.

Skills

Leadership experience

Management skills

Communication skills

Litigation experience

Independent work

Team collaboration

Writing ability

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Division Director - Education

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility–This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $71.90 - $100.52 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
Application Deadline – 10/7/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Office of the Utah Attorney General is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Director of the Education Division. This division provides legal counsel to Utah’s public education and higher education systems, including the State Board of Regents and the state’s colleges and universities. Under its guidance, institutions receive comprehensive legal support tailored to the needs of each campus, with an emphasis on preventative law, compliance with state and federal requirements, and effective risk management.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in representing state agencies and those with management experience. Additionally, the Division Director should be able to handle and assist with litigating complex cases in federal and state courts, including managing complex discovery.

The Division Director will maintain a caseload, review and manage a budget, supervise section directors and attorneys, aid and mentor attorneys, and collaborate with client agencies to maintain our team’s high standards. We are looking for a colleague and leader who is a strong listener, writer, and communicator; and has an enthusiasm for building and being part of a team.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.
• Finds representing and litigating the public’s interest rewarding.
• A curiosity to learn a wide-ranging variety of different topic areas and teams.
• Demonstrates interpersonal and management skills.
• Significant experience with management, client relations, and complex civil litigation in courts and administrative forums.
• Significant experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize own tasks while overseeing and helping other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills.
• Firm understanding of procedural rules for civil litigation in courts and administrative forums including evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to meeting the highest work-product, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of modern technology in the practice of law.
• Preference will be given to candidates with over ten years of relevant post-law school experience.

Supplemental information

• This position is based in Salt Lake City and is primarily an in-office position.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated, and requires a candidate to engage in, for example, safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; but there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items; driving a car, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel as needed.

About the Role

Location –
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Office of the Utah Attorney General

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].