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Apr 26, 2026

Staff Attorney 2

Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Staff Attorney 2
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Education Department

  • Job ID: 93450
  • Location: Minneapolis
  • Telework Eligible: Yes - Up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 04/24/2026
  • Closing Date: 05/08/2026
  • Bid Open Date:04/24/2026
  • Bid Close Date: 05/01/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
  • Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Deputy General Counsel
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

As the Associate General Counsel, you will provide legal assistance and services to the Minnesota Department of Education staff and leadership to serve as a subject matter expert on statutes and rules under the jurisdiction of or affecting MDE, with a focus on program integrity matters in Charter Schools and Nutrition Program Services.

Telework:
This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school
  • Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire
  • At least three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related to this position

Experience must include the following demonstrated skill, abilities and knowledge bases:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving skills;
  • Ability to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a variety of audiences;
  • Excellent legal research and writing skills;
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct;
  • Ability to think creatively and approach projects and tasks from a continuous improvement perspective;
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace;
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in legal compliance, regulatory law, internal investigations, internal controls, or risk management;
  • Drafting and reviewing policies, practices, procedures, and communications related to legal and regulatory requirements;
  • Experience working with federal and state regulatory frameworks;
  • Demonstrated interest in legal issues relating to education or childhood nutrition;
  • Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures;
  • Experience working for a government entity;
  • Sound decision making and exercise of professional judgement and discretion.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
  • SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
  • Employment Reference Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Driver's License Check
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Education Check
The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, please contact us at hr.recruiting.mde@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to us at hr.recruiting.mde@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 12 paid holidays each year
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

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