Senior Strategic Advisor, Exempt

About the role

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks a Senior Strategic Advisor to support the Commissioner and senior leaders in developing and reviewing agency policy and initiatives, drafting and reviewing legislation, and providing strategic guidance on complex policy development and drafting Commissioner’s Orders.

Responsibilities

• Provide and communicate accurate and thoughtful legal advice to the Commissioner and senior leaders through briefing memos, meetings, and presentations.
• Research pertinent legal issues; monitor/interpret relevant state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Cook up and review the Commissioner’s Orders.
• Provide ethics guidance and/or training to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Prepare the agency’s legal response to emergency and crisis situations.
• Develop and lead the agency's legal strategy to promote and protect the agency’s interests.
• Maintain proper agency interactions with the relevant local, state, and federal governmental bodies, legislatures, and the community at large.
• Advise the Commissioner of Public Lands, Chief of Staff, and other senior agency executives and officers on a variety of issues.
• Offer counsel regarding legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operation of the agency.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 5+ years of experience practicing law.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar position in federal, state, or regional government.
• Demonstrated experience providing legal and strategic policy advice to executive leaders on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
• Ability to analyze and interpret issues and present legal opinions and/or policy advice via briefing memos, presentations, or meetings.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research, as well as legal documentation procedures and requirements.
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
• Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations that impact agency policy and operations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working for or with elected officials.
• Previous experience working in the natural resource, environmental, or similar fields.

Benefits

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. DNR provides excellent benefits, including employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit here for more information.