Assistant counsel

Duties Description The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Counsel is seeking candidates for an Assistant Counsel (contracts) position in Albany. This Office is a dynamic team of attorneys which provides a wide array of legal services to the Board of Regents, the Commissioner of Education and Department staff. The Assistant Counsel will be the primary source of legal advice to the Contract Administration Unit of the Department. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and provide legal advice and counsel on issues related to contracts, procurement law and competitive funding opportunities, including bid protests and vendor responsibility determinations.

• Review, negotiate and provide legal advice regarding a variety of written agreements on behalf of the Department, including memoranda of understanding, data sharing agreements, software services agreements, and interagency agreements.

• Assist the Chief Privacy Officer with emerging issues and data sharing agreements involving artificial intelligence, confidential student and teacher data, cybersecurity, data breaches, etc.

• Represent the Department in administrative proceedings or assist the Office of the Attorney General in court proceedings challenging the Department’s actions, policies, or determinations.

• Review and assist in the preparation of legislation and regulations, as needed.

• Handle special assignments as requested by the Counsel or senior management team.

Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had two years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.

Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is in the exempt class and the incumbent will serve at the discretion of the Commissioner of Education. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Verification of admission to the New York State Bar will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. Candidates are required to possess and maintain admission to the New York State Bar. Continued employment as Assistant Counsel is dependent upon maintaining admission to the New York State Bar. Failure to maintain admission to the New York State Bar will result in removal from employment. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. Filling of this position is contingent upon Division of the Budget approval.

APPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by November 10, 2025 to [email protected] (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (EXEC-253/21247) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.

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Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:

Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.

Health Care Benefits
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.

Additional Benefits
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.