Job Posting: General Counsel

CA Student Aid Commission

JC-472632
-
General Counsel
ATTORNEY IV

$11,644.00 - $15,627.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking an Attorney IV, General Counsel. In this role, you will serve as a member of the Executive team performing a wide variety of professional legal work consisting of the most complex legal questions and emerging legal issues related to higher education financial aid programs and student eligibility, including undocumented students.


What you’ll do:

• Serve as counsel to the Executive Director, the CSAC Executive Team and management.

• Participate in the research of emerging legal issues and evaluate potential effects on CSAC and the programs it administers.

• Perform legal review of, and provide assistance in preparing and interpreting, contracts, participation agreements, Memorandum of Understandings, contracts and interagency agreements.

• Provide legal advice on human resources/personnel matters.

• Provide oral and written legal opinions and advice to our 15-member Commission members.

The position(s) require(s) a(n) active membership in The California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

This position will remain open “Until Filled”. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks, the first review date is 04/11/2025.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
  • Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artifical lighting.
  • Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations.
  • Capability to work remotely.
  • This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the CSAC’s current telework policy. While the CSAC supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquarters location. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee’s designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to the California Department of Human Resources regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-472632
Position #(s):
270-733-5780-XXX
Working Title:
General Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,644.00 - $15,627.00 A
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.

The Legal Division is responsible for providing legal services and support to the Commission, the Executive Director, Chief Deputy Director, CSAC administrators and designated staff. Legal counsel is also charged with taking the initiative to respond to emerging legal issues. The Legal Division’s responsibility includes legal guidance and representation on all legal matters relating to the Commission and its programs, including undocumented student issues, use of AI technology, data exchange matters, information security and redesigning Commission administered programs and services.

Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications Instructions

No more than three pages with one-inch margins, 12-point Arial font, single space numbered, and respond to each question in the order that they appear in this vacancy announcement.

1. Describe your experience in advising a high-ranking official such as the head of an agency or division.

2. Describe your experience in advising a state or local governing board. What was your role? Did you advise them regarding state or local open meeting requirements.

3. Describe your ability and experience in handling a heavy workload with competing priorities, and the steps you take to ensure deadlines are met.

4. Describe your experience working as part of a team. What was your role? How did the members work together to achieve positive outcomes?

5. Describe your experience researching a complex legal issue. What steps did you undertake? What resources did you use?

6. Describe your experience in drafting federal or state legislation or regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (Government Code 11370 et seq.)?

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

CA Student Aid Commission
Mail In
Attn: HR Office
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

CA Student Aid Commission
Drop Off
Recruitment, Personnel Services
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in place of an SOQ. Failure to follow the requirements and/or answer the questions will result in your application not being considered.

    Please see "Statement of Qualifications Instructions" for more details.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californian’s while achieving your career goals? Do you have a commitment to serving California’s diverse communities while advocating the principles of accountability, confidentiality, and integrity? If you are looking for a fast-paced dynamic work environment promoting educational equity and making post-secondary education affordable, CSAC is the job for you.

The following bullet points describe you:

• You have experience participating in the research and monitoring of emerging legal issues, state and federal legislation, and administrative and court decisions.

• You have experience litigating in federal and/or state court.

• You have the ability to conduct legal research, provide advice on, and draft communications and legal documents regarding a range of state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

• You have the willingness to be flexible and act as a team player to help achieve overall department goals.

• You have the ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment, and confidentiality.

• You have demonstrated commitment to fostering and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

• You have the ability to independently manage and prioritize work while collaborating with diverse groups of constituents.

• You have strong professional communication skills.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Personnel
(916) 464-8910
personnel@csac.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Libby Avalos
(916) 464-7998
EEO@csac.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

A completed application package must include the following:

  • On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and Job Control Number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section.
  • "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678.
  • Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors.
  • "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable).
  • State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles).
  • All required documents listed in the "Required Application Documents" section.
  • If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your official/informal transcripts for verification. These transcripts must include your name and the name of the school. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
  • If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine its US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website https://www.naces.org/ to find organizations that provide these services.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your completed Application Package to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.

Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.

Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required, completed Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678).

Personally Identifiable Information:
Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any of your documents in your application package.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSAC

Diversity Statement: Here at the CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters and inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in common cause to make college affordable for all California students.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job