Chief Counsel

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Deputy Director, the Chief Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor to the Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) and the Director. The Chief Counsel provides all legal advice and representation to ODI, and is responsible for setting policy and procedures, directing operational activities, advocating solutions and positions, engaging in contracts and procurement efforts, and implementing new programs and systems. The Chief Counsel provides advice, counsel, and specialized legal services to ODI on legal issues related to contracts, conflicts of interest, human resources, Generative Artificial Intelligence, legislation, information technology (IT), regulations and policies, and other administrative and programmatic topic areas. As a member of the executive team, the incumbent serves in an executive and policy-influencing capacity with significant responsibility for formulating goals, policies, and business objectives for ODI. 

This position requires consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively and professionally (both orally and in writing) in dealing with the public, consultants and/or ODI personnel; develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools and equipment; complete assignments in a timely manner; and adhere to all departmental policies and procedures. 

Location: This position requires the selected candidate to reside and report to ODI headquarters, which is located in Sacramento, CA. This position provides telework opportunities in accordance with agency telework policies

Annual salary: $192,720-$214,692 based on experience and qualifications

Benefits: The state offers many benefits, including pension, health benefits (including after retirement), life insurance, employee assistance program, and much more.

Appointment: This position is appointed by the Governor of California.

Last day to apply: Until filled.

Note: If you previously applied for this position this year, please submit a new application.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for the Office of Data and Innovation, guiding the team on a wide range of legal matters.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures for the entire office.
• Lead and direct legal operational activities, including contract negotiations, procurement, and new program implementation.
• Provide expert counsel on diverse legal issues related to contracts, conflicts of interest, human resources, legislation, and information technology.
• Serve as a key member of the executive team, influencing the strategic goals and business objectives of the office.
• Represent ODI in legal matters and advocate for its positions and solutions.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Desirable qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply legal principles and precedents to the most difficult and complex legal and administrative problems and to be a reliable source of accurate information and sound legal and policy advice.
• Knowledge of the scope, character, and principles of California statutes and regulations.
• Demonstrated legal creativity.
• Experience drafting legislative proposals, legislative process and hearings, and legal analysis of legislation and/or in the drafting and analysis of guidelines and regulations.
• Excellent and demonstrated skills in legal research, writing, drafting, analysis, negotiation, and advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating effectively and independently to present difficult and complex cases. 
• Ability to effectively present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically.
• Ability to gain the confidence and support of top-level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters.
• Ability to develop cooperative and effective working relationships with representatives at all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, particularly in regards to communicating complex issues in terms that legal, business, and IT executives understand in order to make informed legal and business decisions.
• Ability to interact with people at different levels and from different backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment and confidentiality.
• Ability to operate independently, but with the judgment to know when to ask for assistance and guidance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities by utilizing effective time management skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to use good judgment when analyzing data and situations, draw sound conclusions, and take effective action.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, challenging work environment requiring quick turnaround to meet established deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively contribute to the office’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives.

About ODI

We deliver better services to Californians through technology and design. We do so through close partnership with other state departments. Our goal is to create programs and products that are more equitable and effective. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and learn about what they need.

We:

• Build tools and products
• Create and enhance digital services
• Conduct research
• Identify data solutions
• Offer training

We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in:

• Design
• Engineering
• Product
• Operations
• Data
• Research
• Policy
• Strategy

Learn more about ODI’s vision and mission.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians.

• Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking.
• Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems.
• Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked.

We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive.

We understand this work is never done. That’s why we commit to constant improvement.