Staff Attorney

North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE)

THE POSITION

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) currently has a job opening for a Staff Attorney in the Advocacy Center. This position will be housed in the NCAE Center in Raleigh.

JOB SUMMARY

The employee in this position, working under the general direction of the Lead Counsel and the Executive Director, will help the Association achieve its mission by performing highly responsible legal work for the association. The employee will also serve as an active participant on the Advocacy Center team.

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

The North Carolina Association of Educators is the public school employee union in North Carolina and the fastest growing National Education Association affiliate in the South. We have led the largest educator walkouts in state history and mobilized thousands of voters across the state to the polls to protect, transform and expand public education.

NCAE members work in every school district in the state, represent every public school profession (classroom teachers, administration, classified staff, and student support services) and also are retired and aspiring (student) educators and community allies. For over fifteen years systemic attacks on public education moved an agenda to de-professionalized professions, defund our schools and divide stakeholders and communities. In 2023, NCAE members adopted a bold strategic plan and made historic investments organize and grow our union, lead our professions, and restore the promise of public education and our democracy through political and community engagement and democratic practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

A. Represent members in employment disputes, generally within the confines of the headquarters office.

B. Advocate for and protect associational rights for members, locals and NCAE, as assigned.

C. Assist with training and education for members and staff.

D. Represent members in certification matters pending before the State Board of Education and the State Office of Administrative Hearings, as assigned.

E. Provide legal advice and counsel to members regarding HR/employment matters.

F. Provide legal advice to staff and NCAE management as requested, including providing HR and labor law guidance.

G. Assist Lead Counsel with research, review and drafting of HR policies and ensuring accurate implementation.

H. Conduct internal and external investigations and draft investigatory findings.

I. Participate in negotiations and draft contracts as directed by Lead Counsel.

J. Serve as backup for Lead Counsel at meetings and during bargaining, as needed.

K. Manage and monitor financial matters related to assignments.

L. Contribute as an Advocacy Center team member and maintain confidentiality of all information and in all assigned tasks.

M. Provide analysis of existing and potential legislation and state policies.

N. Assists Lead Counsel in the administration of collective bargaining agreements including investigations, resolution of grievances, preparation for arbitration, and formulation of arguments and gathering of evidence.

O. Conducts research on labor law and policy, including NLRB decisions and precedents, as assigned.

P. Perform other reasonable duties as may be assigned, including, but not limited to, routine administrative tasks such as completing and submitting vouchers, activity reports and leave requests.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

A. Understanding of and commitment to NCAE Mission and Vision Statement.

B. Proficient writing skills and thorough knowledge of pertinent literature-search methodologies and techniques to develop comprehensive position and information papers and reports.

C. High degree of analytical and consulting skills to identify issues and to interpret policies as well as knowledge and sensitivity to political issues.

D. In-depth knowledge of the North Carolina Public School Law, as well as Federal and State constitutional law, school law, civil rights law, disability rights law, employment law particularly related to school employee rights and labor law.

E. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Professional phone, listening, and email skills and etiquette; the ability to communicate sensitive information to people with whom there is no physical rapport; the ability to resolve complicated issues without making a personal appearance; and the ability to be patient with members experiencing a high degree of stress.

F. Ability to effectively interpret Association policies, positions and programs to leaders, members, potential members, staff, and the general public.

G. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

H. Knowledge of training principles and techniques especially for adult learners and the ability to prepare and present training for staff and members.

I. Comprehensive skills necessary to conduct investigations, develop and present testimony, speeches, papers and other materials to a wide variety of audiences.

J. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints and adhere to sensitive timelines.

K. Extensive computer and telecommunications (email) skills.

L. The ability to seek accurate answers and creative resolutions for members and to effectively negotiate and apply conflict resolution techniques.

M. Working knowledge of NCAE/NEA programs and objectives.

N. Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.

O. Knowledge of NCAE governance, administration policy procedures, bargaining unit contracts as well as NEA policies/positions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A. EDUCATION: J.D. Degree with related experience and/or training with courses in public employee and labor law, constitutional law, and North Carolina public school law.

B. OTHER: Willingness to travel, valid North Carolina Driver’s License (or ability to obtain one). Licensed to practice law in the state of North Carolina.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

C. EXPERIENCE: Experience in state association work preferred. Experience in litigation skills.

OTHER INFORMATION

A. SUPERVISORY: The employee works under the general direction of the Lead Counsel and Executive Director. The employee is expected to work independently with minimum supervision in handling complex or new problems, utilizing initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.

B. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work will be performed in a variety of settings including office, schools, classrooms, and training facilities; sometimes in front of large or small groups and sometimes alone. Some travel is involved.

Salary:

Commensurate with background and experience

How to Apply:

Required Materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references to:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=59fc7f52-c895-4bef-90c4-acedc2089c6b&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MARCH 31, 2025

Benefits:

Medical, dental and vision coverage available
Employer provided Flexible Spending/Health Reimbursement Account Monies
Cell phone and internet reimbursement
Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
401k Plan
Pension Plan (if a temp. position-not eligible until 1/1 or 7/1 after 1 year of service)
Paid holidays, employer paid life and LTD coverage, and voluntary life insurance
A generous personal, sick, and annual leave policy, and more

NCAE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected.

Current and former/retired NCAE members and applicants committed to a strong public educators’ association who meet many, but not all, of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call Angela Schell in Human Resources at: 919-755-5541.

North Carolina Association of Educators

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