The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) currently has a job opening for 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.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
A. Represent members in employment disputes, as assigned, generally within the confines of the headquarters office.
B. Advocate for and protect associational rights for members, locals and NCAE, as assigned.
C. Represent members in certification matters pending before the State Board of Education and the State Office of Administrative Hearings, as assigned.
D. Provide legal advice to members in employment matters.
E. Provide legal advice to staff and NCAE, when requested.
F. Manage and monitor financial matters related to assignments.
G. Contribute as an Advocacy Center team member and maintain confidentiality of all information and in all assigned tasks.
H. Provide analysis on existing and potential legislation and state policies.
I. Perform such 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, and labor law specifically related to school employee rights.
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 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.
PREFERRED 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 preferred.
B. EXPERIENCE: Experience in state association work preferred. Experience in litigation skills.
C. 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.
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 handing 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.)
PLEASE SEND LETTER OF INTEREST, RESUME, AND REFERENCES TO:
Matt Aber-Towns
NCAE Executive Director
[email protected]
Deadline for submission is September 30, 2021.
The NCAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer Ethnic minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
