Senior In-House Counsel - Higher Education & Public Programs

Duties Description The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is New York State’s higher education student financial aid agency, awarding nearly $1 billion in financial aid to more than 330,000 students each year. HESC helps New Yorkers pay for college through the administration of New York’s Tuition Assistant Program (TAP) and more than 25 other scholarship and loan forgiveness programs. Roles and Responsibilities Provide legal advice to HESC’s Executive Staff, managers, and administrators on issues that impact HESC’s mission and student financial aid programs. Assist in the procurement process by reviewing and/or drafting contracts and MOUs, working with agency staff and the Office of State Comptroller and the Office of the Attorney General as necessary. Research and respond to inquiries from legislative staff regarding constituents and reply to executive correspondence on behalf of the agency. In consultation with the General Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General, develop the agency position and strategy for responding to litigation. Review and respond to bankruptcy filings using PACER and provide guidance to staff related to bankruptcy matters. Assist on other special projects and assignments as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. HESC’s business hours require working between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This position may be eligible for 55(b)(c) designation and candidates with 55(b)(c) eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications and a current 55(b)(c) eligibility letter. For more information, visit the NYS Department of Civil Service website. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Non-competitive appointment; no examination required. Temporary appointment may become permanent within fifteen months of the start date. Appointment title depends on qualifications; may be Senior Attorney or one of the Legal Traineeship levels. Assistant Attorney 1 – Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar admission. Assistant Attorney 2 – Admission to the NYS Bar. Assistant Attorney 3 – 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Senior Attorney – 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3, or admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Transfer qualifications – One year of permanent competitive or 55(b)(c) service in a title appropriate for transfer, meeting the requirements of Sections 52.6, 70.1, or 70.4 of the Civil Service Law. 55(b)(c) Qualifications Individuals certified eligible for the 55(b)(c) program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55(b)(c) of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. Must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications listed above and provide a proof of eligibility letter. Transfer candidates may have one year of permanent competitive service in a position allocated to an SG-16 or higher and must possess a bachelor’s degree and standing on the Legal Specialties exam list. Preferred Qualifications Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Experience At least two years of experience as in-house counsel and/or in the public sector. Experience collaborating across teams, researching complex legal issues, writing memoranda on such issues in a fast-paced environment, and handling a wide range of legal matters. Additional Comments There are multiple vacancies in this title at this agency. Telecommuting Information HESC employees may be approved for a telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work. Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with the HESC Pilot Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Benefits of Working for NYS Holiday & Paid Time Off. Thirteen paid holidays annually, plus two floating holidays. Up to thirteen days of paid vacation leave annually. Up to five days of paid personal leave annually. Up to thirteen days of paid sick leave annually for CSEA or PEF; up to eight days of paid sick leave annually for M/C. Up to three days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development. Health Care Benefits – Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost. NYS Deferred Compensation. New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership. Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Many more benefits. NYS is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. HESC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity. Method of Application Apply by submitting an updated resume and cover letter to Human Resources via e-mail at View email address on click.appcast.io by the filing deadline listed in this posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr New York State Higher Education Services Corporation