General Counsel

Job Description and Duties

The California Student Aid Commission is seeking a highly skilled General Counsel to provide top-level legal oversight, strategic direction, and expert guidance in support of our mission to deliver financial aid to 2.2 million students each year. In this executive role, the General Counsel advises the Executive Director, Commission members, and senior leadership on complex legal matters; leads strategic litigation planning; and oversees the development and management of legal policies, regulations, and compliance activities. The position also represents the Commission in legal proceedings, provides counsel on legislation and personnel matters, oversees audits and regulatory processes, and ensures effective implementation of state and federal laws across the agency.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting does not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information, visit the CalHR website ().

Recruitment Webinar

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm 

Registration link:

Description : The California Student Aid Commission is seeking a highly skilled General Counsel to provide top-level legal oversight, strategic direction, and expert guidance in support of our mission to deliver financial aid to 2.2 million students each year. In this executive role, the General Counsel advises the Executive Director, Commission members, and senior leadership on complex legal matters; leads strategic litigation planning; and oversees the development and management of legal policies, regulations, and compliance activities. The position also represents the Commission in legal proceedings, provides counsel on legislation and personnel matters, oversees audits and regulatory processes, and ensures effective implementation of state and federal laws across the agency. Please join us to find out more about this exciting opportunity! 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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 is presently headquartered at: 11120 International Drive, Suite 100 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. This position may also be expected to report to the Downtown Sacramento location at 1102 Q Street, Suite 3150, Sacramento, CA 95811.

• This position will be a hybrid position allowing the selected candidate the opportunity to work both in the office and from home. The selected candidate will be subject to being present at in-person hearings and meetings with the legislature. 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.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active State Bar membership or ability to obtain License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Examination Information 

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained to obtain list eligibility. Hiring interviews may be conducted with the most qualified candidates. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results. The result of this examination will be used to fill the position of General Counsel, Legal Division with the CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION . 

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. 

Applicants who fail to submit all components of the exam documents as described below and in this exam bulletin, may be eliminated from the exam process.

The exam will consist of a review of each candidate’s application, résumé, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and is weighted 100%. The SOQ must identify the applicant’s experience, education, certification, and training in their response to each of the below “Desirable Qualifications”. The SOQ serves as documentation in responding to the Desirable Qualifications.

The SOQ must be typed and no more than four (4) pages in length, 12-point font, single spaced, on 8 ½”X11” paper. Each answer should address each of the desirable qualifications, numbered separately for each bulleted item. Responses must be complete, specific, clear, and concise. Please clearly title your documents as the “Statement of Qualifications”. Résumés and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.

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:

1. Experience interpreting and applying the California Education Code in complex or sensitive situations. Include a specific example where your analysis informed policy, operational decisions, or risk mitigation at an organizational level.
2. Experience ensuring organizational compliance with federal and state laws, particularly those affecting public agencies or education-focused entities. Highlight one matter where you provided critical legal guidance that influenced organizational strategy or prevented potential liability.
3. Experience advising on the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act or other public transparency laws. Provide an example of how you guided an organization in navigating open meeting requirements, agenda preparation, or compliance challenges.
4. Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, MOUs, or interagency agreements. Include an example of how you ensured compliance with state procurement rules and protected the organization’s interests.
5. Describe your leadership philosophy and experience managing attorneys or cross-functional teams. Additionally, explain how you have provided counsel to executives or governing bodies to support sound, ethical, and defensible decision-making.

Benefits

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

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 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.

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 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 Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application package. Please refer to the "Special Requirements" Section for instructions.