Attorney, Labor Relations (SY26-27)

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

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks a Director of Labor Relations to oversee all labor relations for the district, including negotiations, interpretation, and enforcement of 13+ collective bargaining agreements for roughly 9,600 employees. The role requires a Juris Doctor and active Massachusetts Bar admission, with extensive knowledge of labor relations laws and excellent legal writing and oral skills.

This position may involve litigation, advisory duties, and strategic relationship building with

Qualifications

• Attorney with JD and MA Bar licensed to practice in the US.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and labor relations protocols, M.G.L. 150E, and employment laws.
• Excellent legal writing skills.
• Excellent oral and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, administer, interpret and enforce 13+ collective bargaining agreements for ~9,600 employees; devise strategies for effective negotiations.
• Advise principals, headmasters, executives, managers and supervisors on labor and employment issues.
• Lead litigation related to labor grievances at district level hearings, arbitrations, and before state agencies and courts.
• Draft motions, collective bargaining agreements, legal memos and post-arbitration briefs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Union Leadership through monthly labor-management meetings.
• Provide training to support labor relations objectives and ensure fair administration of agreements.

Skills

Juris Doctor

Massachusetts Bar

Labor relations knowledge

Legal writing

Oral communication

MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

US work authorization

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

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 2-3 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].