Description

California School Employees Association
Deputy Chief Counsel - San Jose, CA

The California School Employees Association is recruiting a Deputy Chief Counsel.

CSEA is a public employee union proud to represent more than 250,000 classified employees in California public schools and community colleges.

CSEA has approximately 300 employees who work in 12 offices throughout California. This position reports to the Chief Counsel, and co-manages four attorneys, a paralegal and two administrative employees. This position is open due to a promotion.

Role of the Deputy Chief Counsel:

• Assists the Chief Counsel in managing the CSEA legal department, which provides legal advice and representation to the entire union as it represents classified employees around the state
• Provides strategic advice on a broad range of legal issues, including the Association’s rights and responsibilities, federal and state labor law, the rights of our membership, corporate issues and state education law
• Supervises in-house legal staff in preparation of legal advice and conduct of administrative and judicial litigation, primarily with members or chapters as charging parties or plaintiffs
• Develops analysis, recommends options and strategies regarding actual or potential litigation
• Trains field staff on the substantive legal rights of CSEA and its members and on administrative hearing procedure
• Acts as legal advisor in labor and employee issues to senior management, and takes a hands-on role in grievance and dispute resolution with the staff union
• Assists the Chief Counsel in representing CSEA as an employer before arbitrators, NLRB, DFEH, EEOC or other agencies and courts
• Represents the Association, its management, and officers with respect to governance, policy, laws and other initiatives that protect and advance the Association’s mission 
• Supervises outside counsel
• Prepares or oversees drafting of legal opinions, contracts, proposed legislation and other documents
• Negotiates business contracts and assists in resolving disputes with third parties such as vendors
• Interviews applicants for legal positions and advises on hiring

The ideal candidate will have the following qualities:

• Committed to social change and building the union movement
• Excellent written advocacy skills across a range of contexts, including court briefs, advice memos, and editing the work of others
• Willingness to represent the management side in labor and employment disputes while respecting values of the union movement in a diverse workplace 
• Promotes a values-driven, engaged culture
• Thinks strategically and shows leadership 
• Performs legal research and synthesizes and presents complex issues and information in a clear and concise manner
• Negotiates, mediates, facilitates meetings, disputes and group dynamics
• Has a creative, intellectual curiosity
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Shows excellent judgement
• Influence; integrity; inspires confidence and trust
• Coaching, collaborative, inclusive management style with staff
• Team player as a senior manager
• Travel, work occasional irregular hours or weekends 
• Ability to commute and work from our headquarters office in San Jose 

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state labor and employment law and regulations
• California administrative agencies including PERB, DFEH
• Principles of collective bargaining, arbitration, organizing
• Federal and state laws and regulations that pertain to taxes, real estate, pensions
• Corporate law, fiduciary duty and responsibility
• School operations and the role of classified employees
• Federal and state civil procedure and litigation skills
• Trial and hearing advocacy skills

Experience:

• 7 years’ legal experience, with 2 years in litigation/arbitration and employee/labor relations law
• 2 years’ experience as a supervisor or lead 
• Prior experience as a union or HR representative, EEO investigator or labor mediator may be counted towards minimum requirements
• Member in good standing with the California State Bar
• Out-state of candidates who are not licensed in California may be considered but would be required to pass the CA State Bar within 10 months of hire

About CSEA:

CSEA has a history fighting for social change and economic justice to make a difference in our member’s lives. Our mission is to improve the lives of our members, students and community. We are dedicated to fighting for income equality, affordable healthcare, quality education, and secure retirements for our members. 

Our members are the backbone of our public schools and community colleges and meet essential needs that keep schools vibrant, clean and safe so students can learn.

Our members serve as para-educators, administrative staff, food service workers, bus drivers, computer technicians, and skilled employees in grounds, maintenance and operations. 

Benefits of working at CSEA:

CSEA offers a dynamic career opportunity. We have an excellent salary and benefits package including:

• 18 paid holidays
• 4 weeks’ vacation to start and 5 weeks after 7 years
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Life insurance coverage
• Pension
• 401k
• Work/life balance…. no billable hours, an opportunity to enjoy the work you do, and find fulfillment through working with like-minded, dedicated professionals committed to this significant social mission 
• BART station within walking distance of the office

The salary range for the Deputy Chief Counsel is $168,838 - $215,485, hiring generally at step 1 or step 2 of the salary range.

If you are creative and passionate about serving your community, your schools and our members, then CSEA may be the place for you.

To Apply:

Go to www.csea.com/careers, upload your resume with a cover letter that explains your qualifications, interest and career goals.

Questions? Contact HR at HREmail@csea.com. Please do not send resumes or other documents to this email.

CSEA requires all employees be fully vaccinated and boosted except where barred by disability or religious objection. 

CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

EOE/AA