Director of Representation and Counsel - Public Service Manager III

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVIES

BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES - Office of Employee Relations

Limited Telework Available with Approval

Opening Date: November 13, 2024

Job Class Code: MA35
Grade: 35
Salary: $88,628.80 - $125,611.20/Annually
Position Number: 004400008

Looking for an exciting legal and managerial career in labor relations? The Bureau of Human Resources is seeking candidates to fill a critical role on its leadership team—the Director of Representation and Counsel.

This role serves as Chief Counsel for the Office of Employee Relations (OER); sets standards and manages the performance of the OER legal and representation team to ensure optimal outcomes; provides guidance and training to managers across state government; advises and strategizes with the State Human Resources Officer, Commissioner of DAFS, and Governor’s Office on emerging issues; represents the State in meetings and proceedings before the legislature, mediators, arbitrators, and the Maine Labor Relations Board; and maintains professional relationships with state agency leaders and the bargaining agents representing state employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing.

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated ability to develop and oversee a team, and be knowledgeable and experienced in labor relations, legislative activities, and compliance with labor relations and employment laws. Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills are essential.   

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.