General Counsel

Job Posting Title

General Counsel

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

State Department of Education

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Based on education and experience

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team! Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being? Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

• Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family
size, for purchasing benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans
with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or
dependent care with ease.
• Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of
annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
• Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation
and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
• Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and
vendors.
• Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with
bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
• Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive
compensatory time.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our
Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve.  If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

JOB SUMMARY

The General Counsel at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) serves as the chief legal advisor, providing expert counsel to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and other senior leadership. This role involves comprehensive oversight of legal matters, ensuring compliance with statutes, regulations, and policies. The General Counsel will lead a legal team, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and proactive legal strategy.

Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

This position has been designated as executive management and is exempted from the civil service rules established by the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate Degree;

• At least ten (10) years of legal experience, including litigation, managing legal teams, and complex legal matters;

• Must be admitted or is eligible to practice in all federal districts in Oklahoma, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals;

• Member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge of education laws, regulations, and policies

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;

• Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.    

• Legal Counsel & Expertise: Provide expert legal advice and counsel to the State Superintendent, State Board of Education, and senior leadership on a wide range of legal issues impacting education policy and administration. Demonstrate exceptional legal expertise in education law, providing sound advice and guidance to support strategic decision-making.

• Compliance Assurance: Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. Review and interpret proposed and existing legislation, offering guidance on implications for the department.

• Legal Oversight: Oversee the legal team, ensuring efficient handling of legal matters. Develop and implement legal strategies to safeguard the department's interests. Provide effective leadership to the legal team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Litigation Management: Manage legal disputes and litigation matters involving the department. Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary, ensuring effective representation.

• Policy Development: Contribute to the development and evaluation of policies, ensuring alignment with legal requirements. Provide insights on the potential legal implications of proposed policies. Ensure alignment between legal advice and the development and execution of department policies.

• Contract Review: Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the interests of the department.

• Training and Education: Provide legal training and education to department staff on relevant legal issues, fostering a culture of legal awareness and compliance.

• Administrative Rulemaking and Contract Review: Oversee administrative rulemaking processes in compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Review all agency contracts to ensure adherence to state laws and regulations.

• Collaboration and Liaison: Collaborate with the Attorney General’s office and other state agency legal divisions on education-related legal matters, including the preparation of legal documents, presentations, appeals, depositions, and affidavits. Act as a liaison to various boards and commissions as directed by the State Superintendent and Board of Education. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement legal strategies aligned with the department's goals.

• Legislative Tracking and Communication: Monitor and analyze relevant legislation based on agency guidelines and provide information, research, and guidance to attorneys, legislators, and parents regarding education-related legal concerns, pending legislation, and current laws. Attend all State Board of Education meetings and provide necessary legal counsel and information as required.

• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.

• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.

• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.

• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES 

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.

• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism, seeking constructive outcomes.

• Visionary Thinking: envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.

• Adaptability: thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.

• Accountability: takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.

• Coaching and Mentoring: guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.

• Team Building: builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.

• Results Orientation: drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.

• Technology Proficiency: identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and managing a team of employees to ensure they perform their duties effectively and efficiently.  Overall, a supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring the success of their team and the organization as a whole. They must possess strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage resources effectively and resolve conflicts.

The key responsibilities include:

• Managing and leading the team: Provide leadership and guidance to team members. Create a positive work environment and motivate their team to achieve goals by leading by example.

• Assigning tasks: Assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and facilitate ongoing training and development to ensure optimal team performance and success. Ensure workloads are balanced and everyone has enough work to do.

• Monitoring performance: Monitor team performance and provide feedback to help them improve. Recognize and reward good performance and address any issues promptly.

• Providing training and development: Provide training and development opportunities that enhance the skills and knowledge of team members, promote career growth, and support the achievement of business objectives.

• Ensuring compliance: Ensure team members comply with company policies, local, and federal laws, and regulations by overseeing and monitoring team activities and conducting regular audits.

• Managing resources: Manage and allocate team resources, including equipment, materials, and supplies, to ensure they are being utilized effectively and efficiently.

• Communicating with management: Maintain regular communication with senior leadership to provide updates on team performance and to collaborate on resource allocation and support needs.

• Resolving conflicts: Resolving conflicts within the team by actively listening, identifying issues, and facilitating discussions to find mutually agreeable solutions. Provide guidance and coaching to team members on conflict resolution strategies and ensure a positive and respectful work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location:  Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:

Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.

• Physical Demands include:

Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;

Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;

Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;

Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

• Cognitive Requirements:

This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.

Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.

Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

TRAVEL

Less than 10% in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

 

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general understanding of the position's essential duties and responsibilities. It is not an employment contract or agreement, and the duties may change as per business needs without prior notice. The employer reserves the right to modify, revise, or terminate any policies, procedures, or benefits described herein at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.