Staff Attorney 3 - Senior Associate General Counsel

Location: St. Paul
Telework eligible: Yes, up to 50%
Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position

About the role

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) plays a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and improving the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. This role involves providing legal advice and strategies to assigned business units within DCYF’s Regulatory and Enforcement programs, including childcare centers, as well as to Department staff, regulated providers, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research and advice on the applicability and interpretation of state and federal laws related to childcare centers, including but not limited to:
  • State laws for licensing, background studies, and program integrity
  • Federal laws such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
• Conduct legal analysis and provide advice on the application of statutes, rules, and case law to fact situations under review or investigation by assigned business units.
• Assist Department policy staff and the General Counsel’s Office in developing grant and other programs to ensure enforceable program integrity aspects.
• Advise, negotiate, and draft contracts, including professional and technical contracts, master contracts, work order contracts, annual plans, amendments, requests for proposals, interagency agreements, and joint powers agreements.
• Serve as the Minnesota Government Data Practices designee for assigned business units.
• Provide legal analysis, advice, and practical assistance for all aspects of rulemaking within assigned business units.
• Foster positive interpersonal relationships with coworkers, managers, and customers, ensuring all are treated respectfully and professionally.

Requirements

• JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current license and good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
• Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year may be as a judicial clerk). Experience must include:
  • Developing legal strategies and providing legal advice to executive-level leadership.
  • Experience with the legislative process and federal/state laws.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with stakeholders such as government entities, advocacy groups, and the public.
  • Experience with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or equivalent state/federal privacy laws.
  • Litigation experience, which may include direct litigation, judicial clerking, or case adjudication as a judge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to integrate complex non-legal factors into legal advice and strategies for high-profile matters.
• Strong emotional intelligence, strategic leadership, and change management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies, including legislators, the Attorney General’s Office, state/local/federal agencies, professional groups, and the public.
• Experience identifying common ground among varied interests and building consensus toward solutions.
• Ability to maintain composure and convey competency in stressful situations.
• Analytical skills to assimilate information and apply it in strategic decision-making.
• Experience facilitating conflict resolution and balancing competing interests.
• Experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, which may include:
  • Reference check
  • Criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
  • Driver’s license check
  • Personnel file review (for current/former public sector employees)
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process.

Pay

$43.69 - $64.80/hourly
$91,224 - $135,302/annually

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays per 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 providing income after retirement (vesting after 3 years)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Career development support:
  • Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (eligibility varies by position)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including:
  • Mental health support
  • Relationship challenges (personal and work-related)
  • Grief and loss support
  • Financial and legal assistance
  • Daily living/convenience services (e.g., chore services, home repair, child/elder care)

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union agreements, location, and length of service.