Associate General Counsel, Data Practices & Governance - Staff Attorney 2

Working Title: Associate General Counsel, Data Practices & Governance
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Office of Cannabis Management

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted : 03/04/2024
• Closing Date : 03/18/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of Cannabis Management
• Division/Unit : Legal Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $36.34 - $54.07 / hourly; $75,877 - $112,898 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position will coordinate the Office of Cannabis Management's (OMC) obligations under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and other state and federal laws regarding protection of the privacy of data subjects and accessibility of public information and serve as office’s Data Practices Compliance Official. Additionally, this position will serve as a lead attorney in Data Governance providing legal advice regarding compliance with all applicable laws and coordinating all legal functions in these areas.

This position will provide legal expertise to ensure OCM’s compliance with state and federal laws, providing legal advice on officewide and division-specific issues, assisting the General Counsel with coordinating the office’s litigation, collaborating with other attorneys and OCM staff in legal review of contracts and rulemaking submissions, and collaborating in the development and implementation of OCM legal policies and best practices. This position will conduct legal and policy research, perform analysis on diverse and complex matters, provide legal advice, and produce written products for a variety of audiences and purposes.

This position is located in St. Paul and is expected to report to the office three days per week and may telework two days per week.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

At least three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting (Judicial Clerkship will count toward this criteria)

A J.D. degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.

A current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Providing legal advice to leadership on diverse and complex data privacy matters; and
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience managing data or performing data practices functions.

Knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond to requests for information and coordinate agency response.

Knowledge of Minnesota Records Retention laws sufficient to manage varying retention schedules.

Knowledge and technical ability to evaluate and advise on the implementation, governance, and management of electronic data management technologies.

Experience assisting in litigation cases.

Experience developing and managing internal policies and procedures for managing data requests.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal Background Check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Eric Taubel at eric.taubel@state.mn.us.

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 Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.

About the Office of Cannabis Management

Be a part of building the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) from the group up and supporting Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. The OCM will serve as the primary regulatory agency for the state's hew and expanding cannabis industry, (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing lower-potency hemp edibles), issue business licenses, provide education and technical support to the new businesses, administer grants to support community reinvestment, and oversee all aspects of Minnesota's cannabis industry.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.