Labor Law Senior Policy Advisor.

State of Colorado; Colorado; Remote; USD 89,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency in Colorado is seeking a Policy Advisor V to manage labor relations and provide expert legal guidance. This remote position requires extensive experience in labor relations law and strong analytical skills. The advisor will engage with stakeholders and develop policies to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws, contributing to a fair workplace environment.

Benefits

Flexible retirement benefits

Medical and dental health plans

Paid life insurance

Short- and long-term disability coverage

11 paid holidays plus vacation and sick leave

Employee wellness program

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• Eight years of professional legal work experience required.
• Experience in labor relations law under the NLRA is essential.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates legal and organizational theories for labor relations.
• Develops policies and guidance for labor relations issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent analytical skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong computer skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO ONLY

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON THURSDAY, MAY 29th, 2025

This position is intended to be 100% remote, but will require occasional statewide travel according to business need and at the discretion of the supervisor.

The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace – and Colorado communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.

This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect. We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution
• Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD Eco-Pass Commuter Program
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans’ Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/home

PLEASE NOTE:With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.

Classification:Policy Advisor V (H1R5XX)

Salary Range:
$43.04 - $62.68 HOURLY
$3,443.08 - $5,014.16 BIWEEKLY
$7,460.00 - $10,864.01 MONTHLY
$89,520.00 - $130,368.12 ANNUALLY

The Labor Relations Unit of the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics is hiring a Policy Advisor V position. The Labor Relations Unit administers and enforces provisions of the Labor Peace Act, the Industrial Relations Act, the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act, the Protections for Public Workers Act, and the Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act of 2019 (Prevailing Wage Act). This ever-expanding program/unit is responsible for all state-wide labor relations and union matters within the Division’s jurisdiction. Program decisions and policies have state-wide implications. Upon written complaint, the program ensures compliance with the law via the applicable investigatory procedure. The program also educates the public regarding their rights and responsibilities pertaining to the laws and regulations within the unit’s statutory authority and jurisdiction.

This position operates as a Senior Policy Advisor (Policy Advisor V), which involves evaluating the relevance and importance of legal and organizational theories, concepts, and principles in order to tailor input and guidance to fit specific circumstances. This position has a unique level of expertise in legal analysis, research, and communication, with specific expertise in federal labor relations law; specifically, the National Labor Relations Act, serving as the Division’s Senior Authority in that area. Such legal analysis, research, and communication are essential components of the Division’s work, and critical to the Division’s mission.

This position examines the interplay between federal and state wage and hour laws, state employee-protection laws, county employee-protection laws, federal and state labor relations laws, and Division objectives. Then, based on that examination, this position proposes and directs courses of action first to the Labor Relations Program Manager, the Manager of Policy Development and Complex Claim Investigations, and the Division Director, as well as other relevant Labor Standards Managers, and if needed, the Department, and other agencies. Once courses of actions are approved this position incorporates results into staff publications, rulemaking, training, and Division policies.

This position develops models, processes, concepts, and theories pertaining to labor relations and Colorado public employee-protection laws, and other specialized fields of labor law, that may have little or no precedent in Colorado or in other jurisdictions. This position draws on expertise and research to propose legal strategy and courses of action to the Labor Relations Program Manager, Manager of Policy Development and Complex Claim Investigations, and Division Director on unprecedented issues, including analyzing law and interpretations under the NLRA and determining how to apply them to Colorado labor laws.

This position receives and responds to stakeholder inquiries regarding complex or novel issues in the application of the NLRA and interpretations and guidance thereunder to state labor relations and public employee-protection laws, as well as corresponding state labor relations rules and regulations; meets with stakeholders regarding these inquiries; analyzes interpretations, coverage, and application issues in the context of applying federal law to state labor laws and rules and Division objectives; determines or recommends to the Labor Relations Program Manager the substantive policy-setting response to the inquiries; and develops policies and internal or external published guidance for broader applicability of the substantive policy.

This position assists the Labor Relations Program Manager with the development and implementation of the Division’s process for accepting, dismissing, investigating, and resolving unfair labor practice complaints, and collective bargaining unit disputes filed with the Division. This position, thus, takes a lead role in providing an expert opinion and determination for interpretations and incorporation of federal labor law that this program applies consistently across each investigation. This position also serves as the Division-wide resource for discussions, clarifications, and issuances of policies, practices, and guidance on federal labor law — so that the senior authority can provide a sound and thoughtful application of the NLRA to Colorado labor law, where appropriate.

This position conducts elections pursuant to the Labor Peace Act and Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act (“COBCA”) to form collective bargaining units, authorize all-union agreements, and decertify bargaining units or remove authorization for all-union agreements. This position evaluates strike notices and advises management on strike courses of action. This position provides coaching and training to the Labor Relations program on the subject matters and initiates meetings to discuss the subject matters. This position is a resource to employers, labor unions, employees, and their representatives regarding the state-wide labor relations.

Experience Only:

Eight (8) years of professional legal work experience that requires judgment and discretion (e.g., as a lawyer but not as a paralegal) that includes labor relations law experience, i.e., under the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), at the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), or under similar state or federal union-management law (e.g., Colorado law on state or county employee unions).

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education that includes coursework in civil procedure, administrative law, or labor or employment law (e.g., in the standard Juris Doctor curriculum that includes such coursework, or in another program with similar coursework) and/or relevant experience (using the guidelines stated above) in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years.

Required Competencies:

• Attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Works independently
• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders for the purposes of communicating emerging issues and findings
• Strong computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Five years of professional legal work experience that includes work that was in-depth, and that required exercising independent judgment and discretion (but that need not span all five years), in labor relations law, i.e., under the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), at the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), or under similar state or federal union-management law (e.g., Colorado law on state or county employee unions).
• Performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a current Colorado resident.
• You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment, which includes the E-Verify process.
• This position is intended to be 100% remote but will require occasional statewide travel according to business need and at the discretion of the supervisor.

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [e-mail] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: [e-mail]

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit with your application materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to document in the work experience/job duties portion of your online application the extent to which you possess the education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. It is also important to thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase.

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Sean Montoya, at [e-mail]. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call 303-318-8200.

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants toview the full, official job announcementwhich includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.