Assistant General Counsel/FOIA Consultant/Ethics Officer

Position Overview The Illinois Department of Insurance seeks an organized, professional, ethically-focused, and results-oriented individual to serve as Assistant General Counsel/FOIA Consultant/Agency Ethics Officer. The role engages in specialized legal work as required by management staff, plans and conducts extensive and complex research into legal and administrative matters, and provides support and guidance on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), State Records Act, and related ethics statutes. The officer advises management and staff on legal interpretations, compliance, and policy implementation, ensuring the department’s operations comply with state laws and ethics requirements. Essential Functions Provide legal guidance and compliance assistance for FOIA, OMA, and the State Records Act under administrative direction. Serve as Agency Ethics Officer and assistant legal advisor on human resources and labor relations matters. Act as Assistant General Counsel for the department’s management staff. Serve as an assistant legal advisor for statutory interpretations and compliance-related functions. Draft and evaluate bills, amendments, resolutions, procedures, rules, regulations, contracts, and agreements related to the department’s jurisdiction. Perform other duties as reasonably within the scope of the above enumerated functions. Minimum Qualifications A law degree and license to practice law in Illinois. Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law. Preferred Qualifications At least three (3) years of professional experience with administrative law and regulatory or government programs. At least three (3) years of experience drafting legal opinions and conducting research using legal databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw. At least two (2) years handling requests for records containing confidential or privileged information, including redaction or segregation of protected data under FOIA. At least one (1) year of experience administering or advising on government or professional ethics requirements under state ethics statutes. At least three (3) years of roles requiring clear, professional, courteous communication of complex ideas with attorneys and non-attorneys, including senior management. At least two (2) years of experience with administrative principles such as organization, controls, and procedural problem-solving. At least one (1) year of experience ensuring compliance with open meetings laws or similar disclosure standards. At least one (1) year of experience advising on human resources or labor relations legal questions. Ability to exercise sound judgment in confidential communications. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, track changes) and Adobe Acrobat (PDF redaction). Conditions of Employment Ability to travel, with overnight stays as appropriate. Ability to pass a background check. Awareness of revolving door restrictions; notification required before accepting non-state employment within a year of leaving the state position. About the Agency The Department of Insurance (DOI) regulates the insurance market in Illinois, including licensing insurance agents, investigating worker’s compensation fraud, and examining the operations of insurance companies domiciled in the state. It employs approximately 220 staff across Chicago and Springfield. State employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including: Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance 13 Paid Holidays annually (14 on even-numbered years) 10–25 days of Paid Vacation annually (10 days in year one) 12 Paid Sick Days annually (carry over) 12 Weeks Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave 3 Paid Personal Days annually Pension Plan Deferred Compensation Program and other pre‑tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare) Flexible work schedules may be available, dependent on the position Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility Work Hours: M‑F; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Headquarters: 320 W Washington St, Springfield, Illinois, 62767 Work County: Sangamon Agency Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: Leadership & Management #J-18808-Ljbffr