The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
From preschool to post-secondary education, the Executive Office of Education (EOE) works to connect all Massachusetts residents with a high-quality public education. EOE works with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Higher Education (DHE), and the state's 29 public colleges and universities to coordinate programs and policies across the entire public education system.
EOE is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to work on the legal team for the state’s top education office. The office is looking for a team player to join us as we provide advice to the Secretary on a variety of legal issues, support the Governor’s office in their education-related policy initiatives, and work closely with the legal teams at the agencies within the Secretariat to advance various aspects of the Healey-Driscoll administrations’ education agenda. This person will report to the General Counsel and assist in all aspects of legal affairs. This role involved significant interaction with the senior leadership team. EOE is looking for a driven attorney, with strong writing skills and a passion for public service, who can multi-task and meet deadlines to support the legal needs of the Secretariat.
Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
· Provide legal advice, direction, and guidance to the Secretariat on a broad range of education-related issues;
· Advise and provide recommendations regarding policy and procedure changes based on current case law and applicable statutory and regulatory framework, and assist the Secretariat in the development, preparation and review of related policies and procedures, with the ability to communicate clearly legal implications of policy decisions;
· Draft and review regulations, legislation, contracts, and other documents that affect the work of the Secretariat and its agencies;
· Assist with litigation strategy;
· Partner and manage relationships with the Office of the Attorney General, legal counsel at other agencies within the executive branch, and outside counsel;
· Review and edit various external/internal communications and written materials including talking points, press statements, op-eds, remarks, and media releases and advisories;
· Research and draft concise legal memoranda on topics of urgent relevance to the Secretariat and its agencies; and
· Offer legal advice and direction to non-legal staff regarding state ethics law, data security and data privacy, conflict of interest law, open meeting law, and public records law.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
· Occasional travel within Massachusetts may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar as a member in good standing and eligible to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
- At least five years of relevant legal experience, including experience in counseling clients, legal research and analysis, oral and written advocacy, and creative problem solving preferably in an in-house or outside counsel role to public agencies, private businesses, or other organizations;
- A highly motivated team player with a demonstrated ability to take complicated material and present it to legal and non-legal audiences;
- Professional manner and ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with agencies within the EOE, other agencies within state government, and community partners;
- Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced and collaborative team, troubleshooting, developing solutions, and making recommendations; and
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, and Outlook.
Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.
** Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov.
