The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Legal Services (OLS) in Frankfort (Franklin County) has an opening for a KBE/KDE Education Academic Program Manager - Deputy General Counsel.
KDE employees work to support and improve our public education system so that the nearly 650,000 students attending public schools will have a bright and successful future. KDE offers its employees exciting and rewarding careers supporting Kentucky's public education system. In addition to rewarding work, KDE employees enjoy excellent benefits and flexible work opportunities, including telecommuting commensurate with job duties and responsibilities. KDE is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky's public schools and the KDE workforce.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as the lead prosecuting attorney for educator ethics and misconduct cases for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). Directly supervise, coach, and lead a team of attorneys in prosecuting alleged instances of educator misconduct on behalf of the EPSB. Lead the team in preparing complex cases for litigation in administrative forums, provide timely and thorough advice and recommendations regarding legal strategy to best accomplish the goals of the EPSB for each case, and represent the agency in federal and state court in the event of judicial review.
Appear at EPSB meetings, including closed session discussions and applicable committee meetings regarding educator ethics and discipline, to present factual allegations contained in complaints, advise the EPSB regarding applicable law, present reports, and data regarding educator discipline, and make legal recommendations aligned with the goals of the EPSB.
Manage complaints of educator misconduct in a timely, organized, and thorough manner. Ensure timely preparation of detailed reports of complaints and applicable law for presentation to the EPSB. Develop and implement procedures to ensure complaints are timely presented to the EPSB for disciplinary action and all follow-up actions are completed in a timely and thorough manner.
Manage and conduct investigative activities as directed by the EPSB for alleged educator misconduct, including oversight of contracted investigators to ensure timely, accurate, and thorough investigations. Present investigation findings to the EPSB in a professional and comprehensible manner.
Develop and implement procedures for timely review, processing, action, and conclusion of all educator ethics and misconduct cases including oversight of accurate administrative recordkeeping, regular reports of all pending educator ethics and misconduct matters, and oversight of timely reporting to applicable licensing entities.
Develop and present accurate and thorough information, both in writing and verbally, regarding EPSB governing statutes, regulations, and board procedures, as well as other relevant education law and guidance, for education stakeholders, KDE staff, and the public.
Ensure timely and accurate responses to requests for public records, including review and analysis of potential exemptions. Provide timely and thorough review of agency contracts and requests for proposals.
Maintain exceptional written and verbal communication skills for all forms of communication. Foster an environment of teamwork through coaching, mentoring, providing, and accepting constructive feedback, demonstrating willingness to help all members of the team, and a commitment to the success of the agency.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have five years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law. Substantial experience in the areas of education law, administrative hearings, and professional licensure disputes is preferred.
Gross Annual Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000
For further information concerning the application process, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
Inquiries about this position should be directed to: Anitra Williams, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Phone: 502-564-3716, Fax: 502-564-6771; Email: anitra.williams@education.ky.gov
Position number: 31086115
This position will remain open until filled.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KDE will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 999-897-7781 or E-Verify website
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D