Chicago Public Schools
Assistant General Counsel, Labor Relations
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Background
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student‑ed, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Labor Relations Officer, the Assistant General Counsel will assist in administering and implementing collective bargaining agreements, conducting collective bargaining, advising principals and department leaders on matters related to collective bargaining agreements and labor relations, including discipline matters, drafting collective bargaining and grievance settlement agreements, and generally representing CPS in engagement with its labor partners.
Responsibilities
Engaging with district principals and union representatives on labor issues, including advising CPS managers on best practices, contractual obligations, and creative problem solving. Meeting regularly with labor representatives to address contractual issues in order to avoid unnecessary grievances. Representing CPS in contract negotiations, other collective bargaining sessions, and impact bargaining discussions with labor unions representing CPS’ 30,000 plus unionized employees Drafting responses to requests for information, grievance settlement agreements, and policy materials. Other duties as assigned
Education Required
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, required. Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in Illinois
Experience Required
A minimum of one (1) year of legal practice, inclusive of internships, externships and clerkships, required. Experience in labor and employment law, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Communication and engagement skills (writing, client communications, speaking, listening) Interpersonal skills that will help build trusting internal and external stakeholder relationships Problem‑solving skills, including a demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, quickly assess issues, and provide sound legal advice to a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior leadership, school administrators, and central office departments Experience advising clients on and representing clients in labor arbitration and mediation cases and other forms of alternative dispute resolution Knowledge of best practices in labor relations, federal and state labor and employment laws, administrative law, and related federal and state laws Strong client counseling skills in a deadline‑driven, high‑volume environment, including the ability to provide sound legal advice in a short response time and work on multiple tasks simultaneously Self‑starter who takes initiative to advance and close projects and can work independently to resolve matters efficiently Highly organized with excellent time management and organizational skills Deadline‑driven, strategic thinker Detail‑oriented and results‑driven Demonstrated success working in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing environment Proficiency with Google Suite (docs, sheets, slides)
Conditions of Employment
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency—Employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance
Work‑Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.
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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student‑ed, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Labor Relations Officer, the Assistant General Counsel will assist in administering and implementing collective bargaining agreements, conducting collective bargaining, advising principals and department leaders on matters related to collective bargaining agreements and labor relations, including discipline matters, drafting collective bargaining and grievance settlement agreements, and generally representing CPS in engagement with its labor partners.
Responsibilities
Engaging with district principals and union representatives on labor issues, including advising CPS managers on best practices, contractual obligations, and creative problem solving. Meeting regularly with labor representatives to address contractual issues in order to avoid unnecessary grievances. Representing CPS in contract negotiations, other collective bargaining sessions, and impact bargaining discussions with labor unions representing CPS’ 30,000 plus unionized employees Drafting responses to requests for information, grievance settlement agreements, and policy materials. Other duties as assigned
Education Required
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, required. Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in Illinois
Experience Required
A minimum of one (1) year of legal practice, inclusive of internships, externships and clerkships, required. Experience in labor and employment law, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Communication and engagement skills (writing, client communications, speaking, listening) Interpersonal skills that will help build trusting internal and external stakeholder relationships Problem‑solving skills, including a demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, quickly assess issues, and provide sound legal advice to a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior leadership, school administrators, and central office departments Experience advising clients on and representing clients in labor arbitration and mediation cases and other forms of alternative dispute resolution Knowledge of best practices in labor relations, federal and state labor and employment laws, administrative law, and related federal and state laws Strong client counseling skills in a deadline‑driven, high‑volume environment, including the ability to provide sound legal advice in a short response time and work on multiple tasks simultaneously Self‑starter who takes initiative to advance and close projects and can work independently to resolve matters efficiently Highly organized with excellent time management and organizational skills Deadline‑driven, strategic thinker Detail‑oriented and results‑driven Demonstrated success working in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing environment Proficiency with Google Suite (docs, sheets, slides)
Conditions of Employment
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency—Employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance
Work‑Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.
#J-18808-Ljbffr