Staff Attorney 2/Associate General Counsel

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.

Minnesota Housing is hiring! We’re a mission-focused financial institution looking for an Associate General Counsel to provide the Agency with legal advice and guidance on contracting and procurement, data practices, and rulemaking. This is an exciting opportunity to support the important statewide work of affordable housing, working with the Procurement, Contracting and Grants Management team and Data Practices Coordinator and Operations team. The rulemaking work is in collaboration with the Servant Leadership Team as well as Agency leaders from all divisions.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide legal advice to various divisions within the Agency regarding contracting and procurement to ensure compliance with state statutes and rules as well as Agency policies. Review and draft contracts, procurement documents, grant agreements, and related documents.
• Provide legal advice regarding Agency obligations under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ensure compliance with record retention laws.
• Provide legal advice and support on state rulemaking processes and take the lead on analyzing Agency programs to discover where administrative rules must be updated to better reflect Agency practices, then structuring and pursuing rulemaking processes across the Agency, including a focus on how the rulemaking process can be used to promote equity in the Agency’s practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below. Ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below 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.

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Minnesota state bar or, if a member of another state bar, plan to be admitted to the Minnesota state bar within one year of hire.
• At least two years of legal experience as an attorney working in one of the following areas of law: contracting, grants, data practices, or rulemaking.
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills to ensure that the Agency is receiving high-quality legal advice, particularly when there are complicated issues and grey areas in the law that require significant analysis to effectively evaluate risk.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills to facilitate effective communication both with internal staff, Agency leadership, and outside entities, including outside counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with peers, superiors, and subordinates and to work within the Agency and among other agencies and organizations to identify issues and resolve problems.
• Cultural competency as demonstrated by skills for communication and interaction across cultures and awareness of one’s own world view and that different world views exist.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to equity.
• Preference for experience with applying and responding to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Preference for experience with state of Minnesota contracting and procurement requirements.
• Experience with data practices, contracting, grants, and/or rulemaking processes.
• Experience in the area of affordable housing.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Reference Checks.
• Job related background checks.
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure.

Physical Requirements

Requires moving office items such as file folders and small office tools.

How to Apply

External candidates: Use the application link here https://careers.mn.gov/psp/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBLPage=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=85213&PostingSeq=1&languageCd=ENG. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Internal candidates: Go to Employee Self Service > Careers and search for Job ID 85213

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact us at: [email protected].

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 [email protected].

About Housing Finance Agency

At Minnesota Housing, we know that affordable housing is an essential part of Minnesota’s infrastructure. When you work here, you’re helping to build stronger communities. We have a national reputation as one of the finest housing finance agencies in the country.

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 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.
• Student Loan Reimbursement (pilot program)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• 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 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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected], and let us know the support you need.