Mass.gov
Overview
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and values the diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace 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 promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. Job Title: Deputy General Counsel The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the Commissioner and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy and administration; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations. The Legal Office collaborates with all policy units to implement DESE’s Educational Vision, which describes the Department’s aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in Massachusetts, anchored in commitment to high‑quality teaching and learning. This vision emphasizes antiracist, inclusive, multilingual and multicultural practices that value each student and family and create equitable opportunities, especially for historically underserved students. The Deputy General Counsel will provide legal advice, leadership and support to advance the Commissioner’s and BESE’s strategic initiatives with a focus on special education and English learner education. Responsibilities include administrative law practice, legal research and writing; drafting regulations, legislation, and advisory opinions; preparing for and conducting administrative hearings; drafting and reviewing contracts and interagency agreements; collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and communicating with other state and federal agencies about education matters. This role reports to the Deputy General Counsel/Special Advisor to the Commissioner and works closely with colleagues in the Legal Office. Responsibilities
Develop, negotiate, communicate and execute legal strategies to advance and defend state education policies relating to special education and English learner education. Provide legal recommendations to the Commissioner and DESE’s senior leadership on administration of DESE’s duties under state and federal law relating to special education and English learner education. Oversee all work in the legal office on matters of education law and policy relating to special education and English learner education. Provide legal counsel to DESE’s offices of Special Education Planning and Policy, Problem Resolution System, Special Education in Institutional Settings, Approved Special Education Schools and Public School Monitoring. Provide legal counsel to DESE’s Office of Language Acquisition. Prepare written and oral information, legal memoranda and advisory opinions for DESE administrators and staff and local school officials concerning duties under state and federal law, focusing on education of students with disabilities and English learners. Communicate and coordinate with officials of other state and federal agencies, school and district leaders, parents, advocacy organizations, and other constituencies regarding education laws and policies affecting students with disabilities and English learners. Coordinate and manage strategy relating to the application and enforcement of education laws, including collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office in representing the Commissioner, DESE and BESE in litigation. Represent DESE in interagency meetings and in administrative adjudicatory proceedings before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals; and perform other duties as assigned. Based on assignment, travel may be required. This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid work model, telecommuting up to three days per week. Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications Excellent analytical and legal research skills. Excellent writing and oral communication skills. Respect for diversity and awareness of cultural competency. Exemplary ethical standards. Successful experience in practicing law, including familiarity with state and federal education laws and regulations affecting educational programs, services for students with disabilities, and English learners. Experience with administrative adjudicatory hearings or litigation. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse perspectives. Experience supervising teams, including providing feedback and managing workflows. Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex tasks and deadlines. Ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of confidentiality. Strong computer skills and fluency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Successful candidates must have Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing and eligible to practice law in Massachusetts. At least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in practicing law. Knowledge of and experience in legal research methods. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Application materials Please attach a copy of your resume and cover letter with your online submission. Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O’Brien at Mass.Gov, with the contact information provided in the posting. Minimum entrance requirements Applicants must have at least seven (7) years of full-time or equivalent professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience, with at least three (3) years in a managerial capacity, and must possess current license and/or registration requirements for the position. Benefits
This Commonwealth employer offers an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to compensation. For specifics, explore the Employee Benefits and Rewards. Equal Opportunity
Note: visible text only
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis required by law. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and values the diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace 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 promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. Job Title: Deputy General Counsel The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the Commissioner and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy and administration; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations. The Legal Office collaborates with all policy units to implement DESE’s Educational Vision, which describes the Department’s aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in Massachusetts, anchored in commitment to high‑quality teaching and learning. This vision emphasizes antiracist, inclusive, multilingual and multicultural practices that value each student and family and create equitable opportunities, especially for historically underserved students. The Deputy General Counsel will provide legal advice, leadership and support to advance the Commissioner’s and BESE’s strategic initiatives with a focus on special education and English learner education. Responsibilities include administrative law practice, legal research and writing; drafting regulations, legislation, and advisory opinions; preparing for and conducting administrative hearings; drafting and reviewing contracts and interagency agreements; collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and communicating with other state and federal agencies about education matters. This role reports to the Deputy General Counsel/Special Advisor to the Commissioner and works closely with colleagues in the Legal Office. Responsibilities
Develop, negotiate, communicate and execute legal strategies to advance and defend state education policies relating to special education and English learner education. Provide legal recommendations to the Commissioner and DESE’s senior leadership on administration of DESE’s duties under state and federal law relating to special education and English learner education. Oversee all work in the legal office on matters of education law and policy relating to special education and English learner education. Provide legal counsel to DESE’s offices of Special Education Planning and Policy, Problem Resolution System, Special Education in Institutional Settings, Approved Special Education Schools and Public School Monitoring. Provide legal counsel to DESE’s Office of Language Acquisition. Prepare written and oral information, legal memoranda and advisory opinions for DESE administrators and staff and local school officials concerning duties under state and federal law, focusing on education of students with disabilities and English learners. Communicate and coordinate with officials of other state and federal agencies, school and district leaders, parents, advocacy organizations, and other constituencies regarding education laws and policies affecting students with disabilities and English learners. Coordinate and manage strategy relating to the application and enforcement of education laws, including collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office in representing the Commissioner, DESE and BESE in litigation. Represent DESE in interagency meetings and in administrative adjudicatory proceedings before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals; and perform other duties as assigned. Based on assignment, travel may be required. This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid work model, telecommuting up to three days per week. Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications Excellent analytical and legal research skills. Excellent writing and oral communication skills. Respect for diversity and awareness of cultural competency. Exemplary ethical standards. Successful experience in practicing law, including familiarity with state and federal education laws and regulations affecting educational programs, services for students with disabilities, and English learners. Experience with administrative adjudicatory hearings or litigation. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse perspectives. Experience supervising teams, including providing feedback and managing workflows. Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex tasks and deadlines. Ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of confidentiality. Strong computer skills and fluency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Successful candidates must have Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing and eligible to practice law in Massachusetts. At least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in practicing law. Knowledge of and experience in legal research methods. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Application materials Please attach a copy of your resume and cover letter with your online submission. Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O’Brien at Mass.Gov, with the contact information provided in the posting. Minimum entrance requirements Applicants must have at least seven (7) years of full-time or equivalent professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience, with at least three (3) years in a managerial capacity, and must possess current license and/or registration requirements for the position. Benefits
This Commonwealth employer offers an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to compensation. For specifics, explore the Employee Benefits and Rewards. Equal Opportunity
Note: visible text only
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis required by law. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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