Deputy General Counsel

Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE) works to connect all Massachusetts residents with an education that creates opportunities. While Massachusetts' students rank first in the nation on many educational measures, the Executive Office of Education strives to strengthen the foundations of education reform, empower schools and educators, and develop pathways to college and careers so all students in the Commonwealth can succeed, regardless of their zip code.

EOE works with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Higher Education (DHE), Children’s Trust, and the state's 29 public colleges and universities to coordinate programs and policies across the entire public education system.

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.

EOE is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to work on the legal team for the state’s top education office. The Deputy General Counsel provides legal guidance and support to the Secretary of Education and EOE Senior Staff on a variety of legal issues. The Deputy General Counsel supports the Secretary of Education and EOE Senior Staff in the development and coordination of education policy, and provides verbal and written legal advice, as necessary.

The Deputy General Counsel also supports the Governor’s office in education-related policy initiatives. The Deputy General Counsel works closely with the legal teams at the agencies within the Secretariat to advance various aspects of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s education agenda, as well as providing legal guidance and support to Children’s Trust. This person will report to the General Counsel and assist in all aspects of legal affairs.

This role involves significant interaction with EOE’s senior leadership team. EOE is looking for a driven attorney, with strong writing skills and a passion for public service, who can multitask and meet deadlines to support the legal needs of the Secretariat.

• Provide legal advice, direction, and guidance to the Secretariat on a broad range of education-related issues
• Provide legal support regarding compliance with all statutory and legal obligations, including those related to personnel and procurement.
• 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 the legal implications of policy decisions.
• Draft and review proposed regulations, proposed legislation, budget language, contracts, and other documents that affect the work of the Secretariat and its agencies.
• Assist with litigation strategy, including EOE’s response to any litigation or other legal or administrative action.
• Partner and manage relationships with the Office of the Attorney General, other investigatory agencies, legal counsel at other agencies within the executive branch, and outside counsel.
• In conjunction with the General Counsel, oversee EOE’s response to public records requests.
• 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, including tracking and responding to state and federal legal and policy developments that may have an impact on students and families in the Commonwealth.
• Offer…