Senior Policy Analyst (Collective Bargaining)

POSITION EMPHASIS: The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing highly professional expertise in support of all aspects of collective bargaining and compensation for education employees with a primary focus on labor relations, bargaining techniques, and union and member-led school transformation for the department of Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy in the Center for Advocacy and Outreach.

POSITION SUMMARY: The primary responsibilities of this position include serving as an expert in collective bargaining and compensation analysis, and related research, and education policy that impacts employees. This includes assisting affiliates with analyzing collective bargaining agreements and legislation impacting collective bargaining; researching and developing new compensation models; and providing technical assistance to affiliate collective bargaining and advocacy campaigns, including Bargaining for the Common Good. Essential functions include assisting affiliates with moving to a union led, student-centered bargaining and advocacy agenda through innovative bargaining and other approaches in statute and non-statute states. Other essential functions include monitoring trends in education employee collective bargaining and compensation; monitoring collective bargaining statutes; analyzing collective bargaining agreements and recommending best practices; researching and writing guidelines on key collective bargaining and compensation topics; training affiliate staff and leaders on educator compensation, collective bargaining, and education labor relation trends; analyzing compensation systems; writing reports, talking points, and producing training material to assist affiliates. The incumbent also serves as an expert resource for other NEA departments, staff, and leaders. To carry out duties and responsibilities, the incumbent uses a personal computer and related software and travels frequently.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Master’s degree, with advanced studies/training in labor relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Five years of experience as the primary spokesperson and/or chief collective bargaining negotiator. Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out successful collective bargaining campaigns. Experience in collective bargaining or labor relations advocacy, preferably in public sector education employment. Experience must include expert knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and trends and familiarity with compensation issues and trends. Proficient in using MS Excel or other database software to perform compensation analyses. Experience working on state or federal policy, state or federal funding, and labor policy. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to occasionally work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Samples of work products (i.e., proposals, presentations, training materials, etc.) required at the time of interview. Frequent travel required (20-25 overnights per year).

SELECTION CRITERIA: TIER 1 (Essential): Demonstrated experience as the primary spokesperson and/or chief collective bargaining negotiator. Proficiency in computer applications for research, spreadsheet, word processing, database, and related software for data analysis and presentation. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching current collective bargaining and compensation trends and analyzing bargaining contracts. Extensive knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, public sector collective bargaining statutes, and best practices. Knowledge of data sources, literature, legislation, laws, and policies on collective bargaining and compensation issues at the national, state, or local levels. Proven effectiveness in strategic analysis and planning, as well as a proven record in developing collective bargaining and compensation strategies consistent with organizational objectives. Demonstrated high-level advocacy, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to consult with affiliates, and NEA staff. Knowledge and experience working with public school employees. High-level skills in written and oral communications, research, and analysis. Experience preparing collective bargaining proposals and policy documents. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously under tight timeframes and changing priorities/conditions. Demonstrated experience working independently, collaboratively, and in a team environment. Experience in public speaking (including making presentations at meetings and program design). Successful references. TIER 2 (Significant): Demonstrated effective organization and project management skills. Tier 3: (Desirable): Experience working for an affiliate organization or working in a large membership/advocacy organization. Knowledge of NEA’s mission, strategic objectives, programs, and policies.