Senior Assistant Legal Counsel

Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) is dedicated to improving student success and education equity through advocacy, leadership, and service to Oregon public school boards. OSBA is a public benefit non-profit corporation whose members include school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

OSBA strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values the diversity of our staff and our members. We promote fairness and equity to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and has a voice.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We have seen the research that indicates people of color and women hesitate to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet all of the job qualifications. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications. You may be exactly who OSBA needs.

Step inside our world and you'll find one passionate leader after another working together in a spirit of collaboration that is simply contagious. The dynamic individuals who belong to the OSBA family are committed to excellence – for our members and the students our members serve.

One of the ways in which OSBA serves its members is through its Property and Casualty Coverage for Education (PACE) insurance trust. Members of the PACE trust have access to high-quality legal advice through a preventive legal (“pre-loss”) program. The Senior Assistant Legal Counsel position at OSBA is primarily responsible for providing legal services to members through the PACE program.

Thank you for your interest in OSBA. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact OSBA Chief Legal Officer, Haley Percell, to discuss your application. 

General Position Description:

Works under the supervision of and reports to the Chief Legal Counsel and Director of Legal Services. Provides quality, effective legal services for OSBA and PACE members by providing legal advice, training and claim representation as well as legal advice and support to OSBA departments. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Legal Counsel, Director of Legal Services, Deputy Executive Director or the Executive Director.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience and background, with a salary range of $120,000 - $159,650.

Employee Benefits: 

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. OSBA also participates in Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pays the employee's contribution.

Work Location:

OSBA offices are located in Salem, Oregon. However, in an effort to attract top-quality candidates, OSBA will consider candidates who would work remotely from another part of Oregon.

Essential Job Functions:           

• Provides legal advice to member school districts, charter schools, community colleges and Education Service Districts on a range of legal issues including but not limited to: labor and employment matters, public record and public meetings, student records, review of contracts, waivers, student disciplinary procedures and other issues which give rise to potential legal liability for members.
• Represents the interests of PACE members in litigation. May serve as primary counsel in representing  members regarding BOLI, EEOC, or OCR complaints or other matters covered under the insurance coverage contracts.
• Remains current on developing issues and changes in relevant rules or laws to inform and helps OSBA members through written legal updates on impact and implementation.
• Provides legal support to OSBA departments as assigned.
• Assists OSBA and PACE in developing and presenting statewide topical workshop programs for members. Develops individualized workshops for members as assigned.
• Works independently in such a manner which advances the OSBA’s goal of quality service delivery to OSBA members.
• Communicates effectively with members (e.g., board members, district or college staff and others) within the course of work.

Physical Qualifications: 

The work is primarily sedentary but involves some standing. The tasks include seated work, some light carrying, manual dexterity and bending and lifting. The employee is occasionally required to drive and travel throughout the state. Limited out of state travel on occasion.

Minimum Job Qualifications: 

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school. Active member of the Oregon State Bar or eligible to be licensed to practice within a short period of time. Background in employment law required. Experience with public sector representation generally and with education law highly preferred. Experience in, or knowledge of, the Oregon public education system or similar government operations is preferred.

10 or more years as a practicing attorney or 5 or more years’ experience in school law is required for the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel position.  Experience advising clients/organizations on employment related topics (e.g., Title VII, ORS 659A.030, protected leaves, disability accommodations) is required. Experience with public sector legal issues (e.g., public meetings, public records), and/or school and education law (e.g., Title IX, constitutional rights, student records) preferred.

Experience in civil litigation and knowledge of Oregon state and federal court rules is preferred.

To apply submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter;
2. Current resume.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants with disabilities may contact OSBA at 503-588-2800 for additional information or assistance. Applicants with speech or hearing-impairments may contact OSBA for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 1-800-735-2900.

For an application contact:

Oregon School Boards Association

1201 Court St., NE, Suite 400

Salem, Oregon 97301

Phone: 503-588-2800 Fax:  503-588-2813 www.osba.org/jobs

 

Hiring Schedule:

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Commence Work: To be determined

Send materials to: hpercell@osba.org

Salary

• $120,000 - $159,650