ABOUT THE ROLE

Direct, supervise and provide labor relations advocacy, training and resources to school board members, school attorneys and school administrators concerning labor relations matters.  Supervise, direct and work with the labor relations staff, providing such services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate the performance of all staff in the Labor Relations Services department and make recommendations for department staff hiring, evaluations, salary adjustments, promotions and disciplinary action, including terminations.
  • Coordinate with members of the Labor Relations Services staff to facilitate the performance of Labor Relations Services staff responsibilities.
  • Provide labor relations information to school board attorneys, school board members, school administrators, and staff as requested. Consult with the communications department to assist in responding to press and media inquiries on current labor relations issues.  Provide direct responses to the press and media when requested by the communications department.
  • Provide, in collaboration with other Labor Relations Services staff, labor relations advice and assistance to other Association departments regarding school law and public sector labor law issues as requested.
  • Review and evaluate labor relations and PERC cases affecting education for possible amicus participation, including but not limited to specific amicus requests received. Direct and prepare amicus review memoranda and prepare amicus briefs as assigned by the General Counsel; orally argue Association positions in federal and state trial and appellate courts and administrative bodies.
  • Coordinate with the Marketing Department to determine and develop marketing and training activities and develop initiatives to improve the programs and services of the Labor Relations Services Department.
  • Coordinate with the Lead Director, Strategic Development and Director of Finance to plan, develop and implement entrepreneurial innovations in the Labor Relations Services Department and department-related activities.
  • Assists with Labor Relations Services budget including administering the department’s fee-based services and ensure the effective operation of the department as deemed appropriate
  • Serve as Secretary to the Personnel Administrators Association (PAA) of New Jersey. Plan and present training programs including, but not limited to, PAA meetings and distribute supplementary written materials to advise PAA members on current labor relations issues. Develop and coordinate the delivery of services to PAA members.
  • Develop and provide labor relations services training programs to school board attorneys, board members and school administrators in collaboration with Field Services Departments.
  • Develop and coordinate with the delivery of services and training programs for board members, school attorneys, school administrators and staff at the NJSBA Annual Workshop, including but not limited to, Mandated Training, Labor Relations Programs, and Learning Lab programs.
  • Designate and oversee the Labor Relations Services department’s staff members to serve as liaison to Association committees where the department is assigned primary responsibility; provide legal advice and assistance to all other Association committees, as needed.
  • Cross-pollinate with the Legal Department and collaborate with other departments to ensure effectiveness of Association advocacy, training and provision of information.
  • Serve as staff to Association committees as assigned.
  • Plan, prepare and deliver oral presentations on labor relations topics as required.
  • Maintain confidentiality for all information received and work confidentially with the Executive Office.
  • Represent the Association in direct litigation under direction of the General Counsel.
  • Act as liaison with other agencies and institutions involved with labor relations issues concerning public education.
  • Attend Board of Directors, Delegate Assemblies and other Association activities as assigned.
  • Oversee membership program and offerings for charter schools.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Office.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

  • Juris Doctor degree required.
  • Admission to practice before the New Jersey federal district court and the courts of New Jersey required; litigation experience preferred.
  • Minimum five years practicing law in public education law and labor law and knowledge of school governance required.
  • Experience with on-line research tools, e.g. Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis, and Windows and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel required.
  • Three to five years prior management/supervisory experience preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated knowledge of public education law, public sector labor law and school governance.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective presentations before large groups of people.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, members and the public; must possess good human relations skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines.
  • Documented record of academic achievement, including demonstration of excellent speaking, writing and analytic ability.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage, supervise and evaluate performance of subordinate staff while maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Develop and conduct training programs on legal and labor relations issues.
  • Must work evenings and weekends as required to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
  • Ability to serve in a confidential capacity.

TERMS:                                             Full-time

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:                 Exempt

MINIMUM STARTING SALARY:     $160,000

 REPORT TO:                                    General Counsel 

PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, RESUME AND TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TO jobs@njsba.org by September 29, 2025.