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

Boston Public Schools; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks an Attorney, Labor Relations to oversee labor relations for the district, including negotiating and enforcing multiple collective bargaining agreements and advising district leadership. The role reports to the Director of Labor Relations and involves leading related litigation and policy development.

The attorney must hold a Juris Doctor and Massachusetts Bar, with strong writing and presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate across the Central Office.

Qualifications

• Law Degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and labor relations laws and procedures.
• Excellent legal writing skills.
• Excellent oral and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills across multiple locations.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Current work authorization in the United States by start date.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, administer, interpret and enforce 13+ CBAs for ~9,600 employees.
• Advise principals and district leaders on labor and employment issues.
• Lead labor relations litigation at district level, arbitrations and courts.
• Draft motions, CBAs, legal memos and post-arbitration briefs.
• Develop relationships with Union Leadership and oversee labor-management meetings.
• Train staff to support labor relations objectives and ensure fair administration.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral presentation

Project management

Confidential handling

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Juris Doctor

Massachusetts Bar Admission

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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

Boston Public Schools Central Office - Labor Relations - Boston, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Boston Public Schools

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].

Position Type: Central Office

Salary: upto $130,315 1.0 FTE

Job Categories: Administration > Director/Coordinator/Manager

Job Requirements

• Advanced Studies degree preferred.

Contact Information

• Boston Public Schools, Office of Human Resources
• 2300 Washington Street
• Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119
• Email: [e-mail]