General Counsel

LOCATION: Truman Building, 301 W. High St. Suite 860, Jefferson City, MO 65102

ABOUT the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD):

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is a cabinet-level agency created in 2019. Missouri integrates workforce development oversight with the coordination of higher education, allowing MDHEWD to coordinate the full breadth of education and training options for all Missourians so they are prepared to secure meaningful employment. MDHEWD is guided by a nine-member coordinating board. The agency’s mission is: “To put all Missourians on a path to learn, work, and prosper”.

MDHEWD’s primary responsibilities include:

• Coordinate higher education policy and budget requests to support public institutions.
• Oversee workforce development policies and programs and staff 23 Job Centers across the state.
• Convene partners to develop and implement key initiatives supporting education and training providers and the students they serve.
• Manage state financial aid programs to improve affordability.
• Monitor compliance over certain state and federal regulations including authorizing private institutions and protecting students.
• Analyze and publish labor market, workforce and higher education data and trends.
• Expand awareness about how to plan, prepare and pay for postsecondary opportunities

• Provide legal counsel and support to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and its leadership on all legal matters.
• Oversee agency compliance with state and federal laws including financial aid programs, student record privacy, federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and other federal grants and contracts.
• Provide legal support for department administration and operations, including employment law, administrative procedure, Sunshine Law, contracts, and overall legal compliance.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing legislation and determining their impact to MDHEWD’s operations.
• Coordinate MDHEWD state regulation development and amendments.
• Serve as the department’s official custodian of records for Sunshine Law purposes.
• Train MDHEWD employees on compliance with employment, Sunshine, anti-discrimination, and other applicable laws.
• Engage with the Coordinating Board as directed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, including advising on the CBHE’s bylaws, liaising with the Audit Committee, and serving as primary contact for non-financial audits. Represent MDHEWD during state and federal program audits.
• Conduct legal research and provide informal and formal advice on a wide variety of issues supporting agency staff, leadership, and board members.
• Lead risk assessment and management efforts for MDHEWD.
• Represent DHEWD in administrative or other tribunals as requested. Liaison with the Attorney General’s Office as needed, including determining the agency’s official position and litigation procedures.
• Review and offer guidance regarding policies, forms, procedures, grants, contracts, and other documents as needed.
• Supervise at least one person.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Juris doctor degree from an institution accredited by the American Bar Associate and license to practice law in Missouri, required.
• Knowledge of employment laws and Missouri administrative law and procedure.
• Experience researching complex and diverse legal issues independently and quickly.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely both orally (individually and in group settings) and in writing required.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate contracts.
• Five years’ experience practicing law.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of state and federal higher education-related laws including financial aid programs.
• Understanding of federal workforce development laws and regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Litigation experience in judicial or administrative proceedings.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact: