Deputy General Counsel

This position is incentive-eligible, with an annual award of up to 15% of salary.

About the role

The Deputy General Counsel for Investments and Contracts is a senior operational leader in the General Counsel’s office, reporting to the General Counsel. This role performs complex and sensitive legal work for CalPERS, provides legal advice to executive and senior management staff, and assists in policy development and strategic planning.

The Legal Office represents CalPERS in litigation and provides legal advice on all legal issues, including health care, fiduciary matters, ethics, contracts, public records, open meetings, and investment-related matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to CalPERS executive and senior management on high-impact, sensitive matters.
• Assist in policy development and strategic planning for the organization.
• Draft and review complex contracts involving investments, IT, and procurement.
• Oversee a large team of legal professionals and contracted outside legal counsel.
• Navigate California health benefits law, state government procurement and contracting procedures, and investment structures (e.g., partnerships, LLCs, co-mingled funds, alternative investment vehicles).
• Ensure compliance with California public agency law, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, public records, and open meetings.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing strategic thinking and fostering employee engagement.

Requirements

This recruitment requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), which serves as the examination for this Career Executive Assignment (CEA). The SOQ must:

• Be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications,” and not exceed three pages with a minimum 11-point font.
• Address the following factors with specific examples of relevant experience, education, and training (including places of employment, dates, and duties performed):
• Knowledge of California health benefits law and principles.
• Experience with California state government law and procedures regarding procurement and contracting.
• Familiarity with investment structures (e.g., partnerships, LLCs), investment funds (co-mingled, direct, fund of funds), and alternative investment vehicles.
• Expertise in government employment law, California public agency law (conflicts of interest, confidentiality, public records, open meetings).
• Experience drafting and reviewing complex contracts (investments, IT, procurement).
• Experience as a key leadership team member overseeing legal professionals and outside counsel, including strategic thinking and employee engagement.
• Be submitted with your application; resumes or other materials will not substitute for the SOQ.

Pay

$13,472.00 – $20,966.00 per month.

Schedule

Full-time, hybrid work schedule with up to two days of remote work and three or more days onsite per week.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package, including retirement and health benefits through CalPERS (the nation’s largest public pension fund).
• Opportunities for advancement within a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Location in downtown Sacramento, near Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe.