Requisition No: 883376
Agency: Department of Education
Working Title: GENERAL COUNSEL-DOE - 48000734
Pay Plan: SMS
Position Number: 48000734
Salary: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 10/08/2026
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Florida Department of Education
Office of the General Counsel
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Position Title: General Counsel – DOE (SMS)
Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00
SALARY IS BASED ON CANDIDATE’S EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
OFFICE CONTACT:
Cheyenne Silva; 850-245-9491
JOB DESCRIPTION:
As General Counsel, this position serves as chief legal advisor to the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education on all issues relating to the public education in the State of Florida. This position is a vital and essential part of the Commissioner of Education’s management team. The legal ramifications of implementing the Department’s programs must be thoroughly reviewed. It is essential that all state and federal rules be given in-depth consideration by the General Counsel.
The incumbent in this position is responsible for the administration and supervision of the staff in the Office of the General Counsel. The General Counsel manages the day-to-day operations of the legal office which includes the work efforts of Department attorneys and support staff.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Note: The omission of specific job duties does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has an open position that is responsible for executing the following functions:
• Supervise outside counsel, coordinate work with outside counsel, and work to ensure alignment with Department and Commissioner’s priorities.
• At times, represent the Department in court and administrative litigation.
• Serve as the Department’s liaison with other state and federal agencies on legal matters.
• Coordinate and manage the Department’s legal operations across all offices, and draft review and coordinate pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and supervise the preparation of legal opinions and advice for members of the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and the Chancellors of the divisions of Department of Education.
• Advise the Commissioner of Education on probable cause in educator certificate revocation matters under Section 1012.795, Florida Statues.
• Consult on a day-to-day basis with the Commissioner of Education, members of the State Board of Education, and the Department of Education division heads and executive staff members, and attorneys and employees for the district school system and community college system.
• Attend meetings of the State Board of Education and other related education and legal meetings as required.
• Review and assist department staff in drafting proposed legislation. Meet with legislative staff and legislators when requested regarding proposed legislation. Keep abreast of current state and federal court rulings in order to advise on needed changes in education laws and State Board of Education regulations.
• Review for form and legality of all contracts, agreements, amendments, leases and other miscellaneous contractual documents to which the State Board of Education or the Department of Education is a party. Assist in procurement negotiations. Represent the Department in actions contesting the award of contracts.
• Serve as the Chief Ethics Officer for the Department.
• As a supervisor, the incumbent must communicate with, motivate, provide or coordinate training, and direct the work of his/her subordinates. In addition, the employee must complete timely performance appraisals, develop timely and accurate work plans, and timely approve monthly attendance and leave for each position under his/her direct report. Timesheets will be completed in the People First system by the 5th business day of the following month. The incumbent has the authority to make hiring recommendations as well as disciplinary recommendations.
• Performs related tasks as necessary.
• Attendance at work is an essential job function.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Licensed by the Florida Bar
• Accomplished attorney with broad experience in education law, Florida Education Law, contracts, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Deep knowledge of education policy.
• Ability to work with Senior Executives
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT :
Every day the Department of Education works hand in hand with parents, teachers, educators, and community members to improve Florida's education system for students of all backgrounds and abilities. Our site reflects this cooperative relationship and the role that so many Floridians play in ensuring student success.
The FDOE’s mission for Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system is to increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient system, by allowing them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills through learning opportunities and research valued by students, parents, and communities.
Serving approximately 3 million students, 4,400 public schools, 28 colleges, 200,000 instructional staff, 46,000 college professors and administrators, and 340,000 full-time staff throughout the state, FDOE enhances programs and services for Florida’s students from early learning through college and career development. In addition, FDOE manages programs that assist individuals who are blind, visually-impaired, or disabled succeed either in school settings or careers - encouraging independence and self-sufficiency.
FDOE’s goal is to hire individuals to provide:
• Higher Student Achievement
• Seamless Articulation and Maximum Access
• Skilled Workforce and Economic Development
• Quality Services
Florida Department of Education
WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!
* State Group Insurance coverage options+
( health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option )
* Retirement plan options, including employer contributions ( www.myfrs.com )
* Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year
* Annual and Sick Leave Benefits
* Student Loan Forgiveness Program ( Eligibility required )
* Flexible Spending Accounts
* Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)
* Ongoing comprehensive training provided
* Career Growth
* Highly skilled, professional environment
* Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .
* We care about the success of our employees.
* We care about the success of our clients.
* We are always improving our technology, our tools, our customer’s experiences and ourselves.
* A rewarding experience for reliable, compassionate and professional employees.
LEAVE INFORMATION:
• Annual Leave - Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions are credited with 176 hours of annual leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of the initial appointment.
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• Sick Leave - Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions shall be credited with 104 hours of sick leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of initial appointment.
BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT:
It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purposes and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.
SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM (SSS) AND REQUIREMENT:
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire.
For more information, please visit the Selective Service website .
If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.