General Counsel

Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Utilities Commission seeks a General Counsel to provide strategic legal direction and oversight. You'll advise on legal matters, supervise staff, and engage with stakeholders and the public. This leadership role demands a law degree and extensive legal experience, offering a chance to shape Iowa's energy future.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance

IPERS retirement plan

Flexible spending accounts

Free life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in administrative law, regulatory affairs, or utility law preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop legal teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Commission on legal and policy matters.
• Supervise legal staff and enhance team performance.
• Support legislative activities and collaborate nationally.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Law Degree from accredited institution

Job description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the To Apply section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

General Counsel

About Us:
The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is a public agency dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services for Iowans. Through effective regulation and policy oversight, the IUC supports economic growth, energy innovation, and consumer protection across the state. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration as we navigate complex utility challenges that impact communities throughout Iowa.

As a member of our executive leadership team, you’ll help shape the operational and strategic direction of the agency, empowering staff and driving initiatives that advance our public service mission.

What You’ll Do:
As General Counsel, you will serve as the chief legal adviser to the IUC, providing strategic legal and policy guidance to the Commission and its staff. In this role, you will:

• Lead Legal Strategy & Counsel: Advise the Commission and IUC staff on legal, procedural, and policy matters to ensure decisions and actions are consistent with the law and aligned with public interest.

• Supervise Legal Staff: Ensure high-quality work through mentoring, performance oversight and management, and professional development.

• Support Policy and Governance: Implement the legal and regulatory directives of the Commission; participate in shaping regulatory and legislative strategy.

• Represent the Commission: Serve as legal counsel in judicial review proceedings, court cases, and federal regulatory matters (e.g., FERC, FCC).

• Review and Draft Commission Orders: Ensure legal position, thorough analysis, and editorial quality of Commission orders; draft proposed orders as needed based on Commission guidance or independent legal judgment.

• Engage Stakeholders and the Public: Manage responses to legal inquiries from the public and requests submitted under Iowa’s Open Records Act (Chapter 22).

• Monitor Emerging Issues: Track developments in federal regulation and industry trends to inform Commission strategy and staff awareness.

• Support Legislative Activities: Assist the Legislative Liaison with legal analysis and support during and between legislative sessions.

• Collaborate Nationally: Represent the IUC on national and regional utility regulatory committees (e.g., NARUC), as directed.

Who We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a collaborative, strategic legal leader with:

• A degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Iowa.
• Extensive experience in administrative law, regulatory affairs, or utility law preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop legal teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to present complex legal concepts clearly.
• A commitment to public service, ethical standards, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with or advising public boards or government entities is a plus.

We Value You:
At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free life insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit ourbenefits webpage.


Why Join Us:
At the Iowa Utilities Commission, your work matters. You’ll be joining a mission-driven organization where your leadership and insight will directly impact Iowa’s energy and utility landscape. We foster an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture where your ideas are valued and your expertise makes a difference.

Don’t miss this chance to shape the energy future of Iowa — review the job qualifications and apply now! We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team. The Iowa Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer.354 Law Degree:
Possession of a law degree from an accredited institution.
Graduation from an accredited school of law and six years of successful and responsible experience in the practice of law.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Admission to the Iowa State Bar.