Equal Opportunity Employer
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Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-474205
Position #(s):
275-140-4067-001
Working Title:
General Counsel
Classification:
GENERAL COUNSEL, PUBLIC EMPLOYEE'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM
$20,937.50 - $34,895.83
This position is eligible for annual incentive award. The annual incentive opportunity is 0-105% (target 70%) of salary and is based on the level of achievement against several quantitative and qualitative measures.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is a global institutional investor and the nation’s largest public pension fund, with assets of approximately $520.84 billion as of April 14, 2025. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are deeply committed to our Mission & Vision and their decisions and actions are guided by our Investment Beliefs .
If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !
To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .
Job Description And Duties
This position will run until filled with cutoff dates for review every Friday until filled.
The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for CalPERS and is a critical member of the Executive Team. Under the policy direction of the Board of Administration and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel provides strategic legal advice, leadership, and representation to the Board, Executive Staff, and the organization. This role supports CalPERS' mission to deliver retirement and health benefits by overseeing key enterprise functions and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and fiduciary duties.
The General Counsel leads and manages a broad portfolio of functions, including Legal, Enterprise Compliance & Risk Governance, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Investigations, and the Office of Information Security. The position advises on complex legal matters such as employee benefits law (public pension and health care), fiduciary law, government law, corporate governance, and securities law.
In addition, the General Counsel manages litigation matters including securities and investment-related cases, benefit-related administrative proceedings, and general litigation, oversees outside counsel, and provides legal and parliamentary support at Board and committee meetings. As the executive liaison to the CalPERS Board Governance Committee, the General Counsel plays a key role in shaping governance practices and Board policy. The position also represents CalPERS in state and national forums and delivers presentations on fiduciary responsibilities, legal matters affecting public pension systems, and Board governance policies.
Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the
Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) And Applicable Or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted To Apply For This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your CalCareer Account At Www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When Submitting Your Application In Hard Copy, a Completed Copy Of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. If You Choose To Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through An Alternative Method Listed Below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-474205/NM
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento , CA 94229-2718
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, EIR JC-474205/NM
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The Following Items Are Required To Be Submitted With Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit The Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered For This Job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
