State Division Administrator 17 - Legal Director

State of Michigan; Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Michigan seeks a Division Administrator to lead the Legal Division within the Michigan UIA, directing staff and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and agency objectives.

Based in Michigan with a work location in Lansing or Detroit, the role may offer hybrid scheduling. Candidates with a Juris Doctor and attorney licensure are preferred, with strict background checks and drug testing as part of state employment requirements.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership of a legal division
• Experience supervising professional and administrative staff
• Knowledge of state and federal laws relevant to UIA operations
• Preference for JD and active attorney licensure
• Compliance with ethical standards and background checks

Responsibilities

• Direct the activities of the Legal Division and set program objectives
• Provide executive oversight of administrative law functions, legislative affairs, and legal programs
• Coordinate with UIA units and advise agency leadership on legal matters
• Ensure compliance with Civil Service rules and background-check requirements

Skills

Executive leadership

Staff supervision

Policy development

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Licensed attorney (preferred)

Job description

This position serves as Director of the Legal Division for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and functions as the overall director of the divisional program. The position plans, organizes, directs, and controls the activities of the Legal Division and is responsible for establishing current and long-range plans, priorities, policies, procedures, and program objectives consistent with UIA's mission and applicable state and federal laws and requirements

The Division Director provides executive leadership and oversight for the Agency's administrative law functions, legislative affairs, and specialized legal and statutory programs. The position directs subordinate management, professional, and administrative staff; evaluates program operations and performance; identifies needed improvements; coordinates activities with other UIA organizational units; and advises agency executive leadership regarding matters within the division's areas of responsibility.

At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, we are passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful to all our employees and the public we serve. Our department provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/LEO.

Position Description Summary - State Division Administrator 17

Work Location will be either Lansing or Detroit depending upon the selected candidate.There is a possibility of a remote/hybrid schedule based on performance and operational need. However, all work must be performed in Michigan. If you currently reside outside of Michigan, you must relocate to Michigan to perform the duties of this position.

Applicants can qualify for this position by meeting ANY of the following:

• At least an educational level typically acquired through the completion of high school and at least five years of professional experience, including at least two years of experience as a professional manager or program/staff specialist gained in the State of Michigan classified service.
• Education level typically acquired through completion of high school and three years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 14 level; or, two years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement supervisory experience at the 15 level, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.
• A bachelor's degree or higher in any major and at least two years of experience as a professional manager or program/staff specialist, or equivalent experience.

Due to the legal nature of the position, possession of a Juris Doctor degree as well as being a licensed attorney are preferred.

All classified employees are subject to Civil Service Rule 2-8 Ethical Standards and Conduct and will be expected to disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties as a classified employee.

All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. Certain positions within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may also require state criminal, fingerprint-based and driving record background checks. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the background checks and drug test indicate eligibility for employment.

Salary for this position is entirely federally funded. Under federal law an employee whose salary is entirely federally funded may not be a candidate for public office in a partisan election.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

View the job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/S/StateDivisionAdministrator.pdf