Appeals, Legal Services and Disclosure Division Director - General Counsel 1

Job Details

Working Title: Appeals, Legal Services and Disclosure Division Director
Job Class: General Counsel 1
Agency: Revenue Department

• Job ID: 79118
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/22/2024
• Closing Date: 09/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Revenue Dept / Revenue-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Appeals, Legal Services and Disclosure
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Hours
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 5%
• Salary Range: $50.25 - $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 - $150,231 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position directs the operations and services provided by the Appeals, Legal Services, and Disclosure division at the Department of Revenue.

This position oversees performance and development of division operations and organization. It also builds and manages relationships with the agency General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and other division directors to oversee priority activities and ensure timely and quality services to support agency tax administration, policy development and implementation, and legal, administrative appeals, and disclosure compliance.

The Director will lead a team of attorneys, appeals officers, and disclosure specialists to provide legal advice and expertise, appeals processes, and data practices issues to the Department on a wide array of tax issues and matter types.

Specifically, this position will:

• Manage a team of attorneys, appeals officers and disclosure staff;
• Assist the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in coordinating and managing the Department's legal advice and litigation;
• Provide legal advice to the Department on a variety of complex tax issues;
• Oversee the agency's major administrative appeals processes;
• Oversee the agency's disclosure and records management functions;
• Collaborate with other Department staff concerning implementation of the department's policies and practices;
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate performance of assigned staff;
• Manage the development of legal training on a variety of topics to Department staff;
• Oversee the Department's rulemaking/revenue notice activities;
• Coordinate and complete special projects as assigned by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel;
• As needed, coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and the Deputy General Counsel regarding the Department's legal disputes and litigation; and
• Assume the duties of General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in their absence.

This position requires in-office 1-2 days per week or as negotiated with management at the time of hire. Employees will be required to complete a telework agreement. Teleworking employees are required to live in Minnesota or in a state bordering Minnesota.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA accredited law school, plus admission to the Minnesota Bar and a current license in good standing to practice law in Minnesota
• A minimum of seven (7) years' experience as a practicing attorney which must include conducting legal research, writing, and analysis in a law firm, legal nonprofit, or public sector setting, including at least:
  • Six (6) years' recent experience in Minnesota state or federal tax law; and
  • Three (3) years' experience as a supervisor, manager or leadership role in a law firm, legal nonprofit or public sector setting within the last five years; and
  • Legislative experience within the last five years.
• A valid class D driver's license or reliable transportation

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, abilities, and knowledge bases:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternative, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to executives and management on these issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice on varied legal issues.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Ability to think clearly and approach projects and tasks from a continuous improvement perspective.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• High level management skills to plan, organize, and coordinate the activity, personnel, and projects related to the division's work.
• Ability to problem solve, work well under pressure, pivot to critical issues on a moment's notice, resolve issues with limited information and limited time.
• High level human resources skills for dealing with personnel issues and advising on conflict situations and resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in any of the following: Administrative law, Collections/Bankruptcy law, Indian law, Real Property law, Department of Revenue Administrative appeals, Trial Experience (recent).
• Experience with or knowledge of Minnesota state government processes and related laws and regulations.
• Experience drafting administrative rules or administrative procedures and/or knowledge and experience with rulemaking under the Minnesota Administrative Procedures Act and/or other administrative processes.
• Knowledge and experience with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience relaying legal analysis or topics to non-legal audiences.
• Experience drafting Revenue Notices.
• Experience building and maintaining good working relationships.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records and laptop computer.

Additional Requirements

A written exercise will be conducted during the interview process.

Prior to an offer of employment, a background check will be conducted. This will include, but is not limited to checking degrees and licensures, criminal history, and tax filing and payment history. All individual income tax filing and payment obligations must be current prior to interviewing for this position.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@state.mn.us or 651-556-6676 .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@state.mn.us .

If you need a reasonable accommodation for this interview and/or testing process, please contact the Department of Revenue ADA Coordinator at revenue.eai@state.mn.us .

About Revenue Dept

The Minnesota Department of Revenue works to fund the future for all of Minnesotans. We manage over 30 different taxes and collect $26.7billion annually in state taxes, which funds state programs such as healthcare, transportation, public safety, and early childhood, K-12, and higher education.

Revenue is dedicated to an inclusive work environment that celebrates and values the diversity of each employee and reflects the communities we serve. We're committed to a culture of inclusion where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive.

We value a work life balance for our employees, and many of our employees telework in a full or hybrid capacity. For those that come to the office, regularly or occasionally, we invested in a state-of-the-art hybrid workspace located at the Stassen building in St. Paul.

Find out more about us on our website .

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.