State Office Administrator 17 (Administrative Law Director)

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan. MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs.

In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers , convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels.

Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful. As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.

This position is located at the John Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) processes appeals and complaints for the department and refers cases to MOAHR for administrative hearings, prepares proposed final decisions for the State Superintendent and the State Tenure Commission (STC), prepares certifications of record for court appeals, and publishes final decisions in Norma, the department’s final decision database.

OAL also conducts review conferences in state aid audit, certification penalty, and other non-contested matters; supports the department’s FOIA coordinator and advises on FOIA appeals; coordinates litigation and requests for Attorney General advice; and oversees department rulemaking through the Regulatory Affairs Officer. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) director manages and directs the activities of OAL, ensures that OAL’s work aligns with Michigan’s Strategic Education Plan (SEP), and represents MDE and the state superintendent.

The director serves as the state superintendent’s designee as an ex officio member of the State Tenure Commission (STC) and in other matters requiring a final agency decision and directs the preparation and presentation of proposed final decisions and orders to the state superintendent and the STC. The director is also the department’s liaison to the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR), serves as the department’s litigation coordinator, and directs the department’s Regulatory Affairs Officer.

The director supervises OAL’s professional and support staff, sets office goals, priorities, and operating procedures, and develops and manages the OAL budget. The director identifies, secures, and implements technology and other resources that support the effective, ethical, and efficient work of the office and the department, including the department’s final decision database and case-tracking systems. The director advises the state superintendent, the STC, department staff, school districts, local units of government, professional organizations, teachers, attorneys, and the public on department policies and on the statutes and rules the department administers.

The director also develops and reviews legislative proposals and testifies before legislative committees on behalf of the STC and the department. View the full position description here : Examples of Duties Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major. Experience Two years of experience as a professional manager or program/staff specialist, or equivalent experience. Qualifications Education level typically acquired through completion of high school and three years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 14 level; or, two years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement supervisory experience at the 15 level, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.

Supplemental Information View job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/S/StateOfficeAdministrator.pdf