Deputy General Counsel

Job Posting Title

Deputy General Counsel

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education-Oliver Hodge Education Building

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

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 Office of Legal Services offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact. The newly redefined Deputy General Counsel position is a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about bettering public education in Oklahoma and are adept at researching and analyzing state, federal, and administrative laws. The ideal candidate will possess a strong performance record, a keen interest in process improvement, and a commitment to fostering a culture of openness, professional growth, and an elite reputation. A highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with exceptional research and writing skills and a commitment to improving public education in Oklahoma will excel in this position.

Please note: this role does not allow for any form of remote work, including telecommuting or hybrid arrangements. The nature of this position necessitates a consistent in-person presence. Prospective candidates should be aware that the responsibilities associated with this role require physical presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 from an accredited college or university;

• Active Oklahoma Bar Association member in good standing;

• At least two (2) years of experience in employment law, school law, administrative law, and/or legislation drafting and review.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior administrative hearing or courtroom experience.

• Familiarity with Child Nutrition, Teacher Certification, Special Education, and/or Administrative Rulemaking.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

• 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.

• Research & Writing: Ability to conduct in-depth legal research on a wide range of legal issues related to public education in Oklahoma, e.g., child nutrition, special education, teacher certification, state aid, school safety, federal programs, pending legislations and administrative rulemaking; including analyzing state, federal, and administrative laws, regulations, and policies, as well as reviewing relevant legal opinions, case law, and other legal authorities; prepare well-researched, well written, and comprehensive legal memoranda, opinions, and other documents for review by senior attorneys and stakeholders.

• Legal Advice & Support: Provide legal advice, both orally and in writing, and support to senior attorneys, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, The State Department of Education and The State Board of Education and other stakeholders on assigned issue portfolios; this includes assisting in the development of legal strategies, preparing legal documents, and providing guidance on legal matters related to public education in Oklahoma; assist in drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, and other legal documents, and provide legal recommendations based on sound research and analysis.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Demonstrated effective management of litigation involving OSDE and/or the State Board of Education; ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts; ability to handle confidential work with discretion; knowledge of current trends, best practices, and research in state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to public education and Oklahoma State government; ability to quickly learn many areas of law; ability to make effective presentations on controversial or complex topics.

• Professional Demeanor: Maintain a positive, empathetic and professional attitude at all times; ability to build and maintain strong positive relationships and establish rapport; ability to accept constructive feedback to increase performance.

• Process Improvement: Actively seek opportunities to improve and streamline legal processes within the Office of Legal Services. This includes identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in legal research, writing, and document management. Work collaboratively with other team members to implement process improvements that enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Office of Legal Services' operations.

• Ethics: Adhere to high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in all aspects of performance.

• Continuous Learning: Participate in legal training and professional development activities to maintain and improve legal skills and knowledge.

• 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.

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% travel 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.