Attorney, Labor Relations (Anticipated Vacancy) (SY26-27)

TrulyHired; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks an experienced labor relations professional to oversee all aspects of labor relations for the district's 9,600 employees. The role includes negotiating, administering, interpreting and enforcing 13+ collective bargaining agreements.

You will advise principals and executives, lead litigation related to grievances and arbitrations, draft motions and CBAs, and develop training to support fair and efficient contract administration.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and labor relations protocols, M.G.L. 150E, and employment laws.
• Excellent legal writing skills.
• Excellent oral and presentation skills.
• Proficient project management in a multi-location environment.
• Current US work authorization by start date.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, administer, interpret and enforce 13+ CBAs for ~9600 employees.
• Advise principals and managers on labor and employment issues.
• Lead litigation related to labor grievances at district level hearings and arbitrations.
• Draft motions, CBAs, legal memos and post-arbitration briefs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Union Leadership.
• Provide training to support labor relations objectives and ensure fair administration of CBAs.

Skills

Labor relations knowledge

Legal writing

Oral presentation

Project management

Confidentiality handling

Dispute resolution

Education

Juris Doctor

Massachusetts Bar

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 10/02/2026. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated.

Reports to

Director of Labor Relations

Responsibilities

Responsible for all aspects of labor relations for entire Boston Public Schools District including, but not limited to:

• Negotiate, administer, interpret and enforce 13+ collective bargaining agreements for approximately 9600 employees; devise and implement strategies for effective negotiations.
  
• Advise principals, headmasters, executives, managers and supervisors regarding labor and employment issues.
  
• Lead litigation related to labor grievances at district level disciplinary hearings, arbitrations regarding employee performance, discipline and contract interpretation, and before the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations, Civil Service Commission and State Courts
  
• Draft motions, collective bargaining agreements, legal memorandum and post-arbitration briefs.
  
• Develop and maintain relationships with Union Leadership such as monthly labor management meetings.
  
• Develop, train and provide instruction necessary to support BPS labor relations objectives and ensure the fair, consistent and efficient administration of its collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications - Required

• Law Degree, Juris Doctor from accredited law school
  
• Admission to Massachusetts Bar
  
• Extensive knowledge regarding employee and labor relations protocols, M.G.L. 150E, and state and federal employment laws
  
• Excellent legal writing skills
  
• Excellent oral and presentation skills.
  
• Proficient project management skills in a multiple location/unit environment.
  
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
  
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of employee and labor relations experience, including conflict resolution, dispute resolution, collective bargaining and litigation
  
• Experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques.
  
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
  
• Excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations.
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team-based environment.
  
• Experience managing collective bargaining agreements.
  
• Experience with impact bargaining negotiations.

Terms

Managerial, D61. This position subject to the City of Boston residency requirement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at [e-mail].