Associate General Counsel, Labor

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:   

Represents Howard University and Howard University Hospital as the principal legal and strategic official in the administration of comprehensive labor-management relations.  Represents management in collective-bargaining negotiations, legal proceedings, arbitration and mediation; interprets collective bargaining agreements; advises University executives, managers, and cabinet members in all aspects of labor relations matters.  Provides guidance and assistance with labor relations matters (including grievances, legal claims, and administrative complaints), dispute resolution and employee discipline.  Trains labor relations staff, managers, supervisors and management officials concerning the University’s and Hospital’s rights and obligations under the National labor Relations Act and applicable labor law, policies and procedures.  Provides legal sufficiency review of collective bargaining agreements, severance agreements, settlement agreements, discipline, suspensions, terminations, policies and other documents concerning bargaining unit employees.  Manages outside counsel in all labor relations matters and collaborates with other attorneys in the Office of General Counsel on labor related issues.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

N/A

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, and staff of the University. External contacts include various unions, governmental agencies including, but not limited to the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the American Arbitration Association as well as other administrative agencies, courts, and law firms.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:             

• The primary responsibilities for this position are to provide legal advice, interpretation, and representation in a broad range of labor law issues, including but not limited to representation in bargaining, grievances, arbitrations, and in cases before the National Labor Relations Board.
• Other responsibilities include reviewing and drafting policies and guidelines for legal sufficiency; providing review and recommendations regarding labor regulatory and compliance matters.
• Collaborates with Labor Relations Staff for Howard University and Howard University Hospital and provides advice and assistance as requested.
• The incumbent also prepares legal documents such as severance agreements, settlement agreements, collective-bargaining proposals and agreements, responses to information requests directed at Howard University advisory memoranda and documents relating to collective bargaining agreements, litigation matters or agency proceedings.
• Represents the University in legal and quasi‑legal proceedings, including the District of Columbia and Federal courts and before government agencies on labor relations matters and on other legal matters. Represents the University in hearings, meetings and in other forums related to University legal matters, as needed.
• Drafts and negotiates commitments involving University resources; principally contracts, settlements, other agreements and statements of University policy for subsequent approval by supervisor and University Officers.
• Serves as management representative in meetings with union officials on matters pertaining to management decisions affecting bargaining-unit employees, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and unfair labor practice proceedings.
• Serves as first-chair and responsible for all phases of labor contract negotiation preparation including financial analysis, determination of issues and positions, participation in and coordinating data requests, surveys, etc. to aid in convincing/influencing resolution of issues in collective bargaining, and to conclude bargaining process.
• Reviews documents for other University offices for legal implications and possible legal policy questions.
• Responds to University officials' request for advice in areas of assigned responsibility.  Serves as office resource on current status of labor law and developments in labor law.
• Provides legal expertise and otherwise represents the office in meetings with University officials and individuals outside of the University.  Also trains management on collective-bargaining agreements, compliance, and labor management relations.
• Provides counseling, advice, and guidance to supervisors and other management officials on conduct and performance problems of bargaining unit employees. 
• Provides assistance with conflict resolution, as requested.  Furnishes recommendations to department heads, managers, and supervisors concerning possible courses of action in handling bargaining unit employee problems and concerns.  Reviews employee discipline and discharge matters and makes recommendation for appropriate course of action in compliance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Detailed knowledge of federal and local laws applicable to employment and labor relations, and judicial and administrative agency systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of union grievance procedures and grievance arbitration processes and procedures.
• Ability to conduct and manage adversarial proceeding on behalf of the University before mediation, arbitration, courts and administrative agencies.
• Ability to plan, direct and conduct independent legal research and related analyses on federal labor law and related legal issues.
• Ability to participate effectively in fact-finding investigations, present findings and develop related recommendations.
• Ability to argue, listen and negotiate effectively.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to draft, review, revise and edit documents in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to identify possible need for action and to plan, supervise, and execute appropriate assignments with minimal guidance or supervision.
• Ability to work productively under pressure, to adhere to and enforce deadlines, and to project need for and effectuate team efforts required to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow guidance and direction and to provide effective guidance and direction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, University officials, union representatives and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and five years of post J.D. legal experience, which include at least three years of substantial labor relations experience.  Strong academic record; excellent oral and written communication skills.  Membership or eligibility for membership in the District of Columbia Bar.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $170,000 - $180,000