The Labor Relations Counsel & Chief Negotiator is a key member of the Office of General Counsel, responsible for providing expert legal counsel, guidance, representation, research and support to the institution’s president and senior level management, as directed by and subject to the supervision of the General Counsel or designee on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining, contract negotiation, grievance resolution, and compliance with labor laws.

The position assists the General Counsel in providing general legal services and counsel to the College regarding labor and employment law, collective bargaining negotiations, and the navigation of complex legal issues to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, Nevada System of Higher Education (“NSHE”) and College policies and procedures, while also mitigating legal risks and optimizing contractual outcomes.

This position will also serve as the lead negotiator for collective bargaining negotiations while representing the college’s mission by promoting positive labor-management relations and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees regarding the management of labor relations, collective bargaining negotiations, and contract administration across the institution with on behalf of the Board of Regents and CSN.

The position has a high level of independence to provide professional legal services to the senior administration of the institution. This position requires the Labor Relations Counsel & Chief Negotiator to handle work duties and College client interactions in a manner that builds confidence in the Office of General Counsel and provides leadership and objectivity in the performance of the responsibilities of the position to ensure the success, credibility of the reputation of the College and NSHE. General Counsel or designee will provide supervision and guidance to this position. Annual reviews will be conducted by General Counsel. The incumbent will meet regularly with the General Counsel or designee to ensure consistent application of NSHE and College policies and procedures and to inform the General Counsel or designee of any legal concerns that arise.

This positions main responsibilities include:

• Collective bargaining and contract administration: Negotiate collective bargaining agreements, train management on the applicable provisions of the agreements and provide advice and counsel on planned management action prior to making a decision.

• CBA Approvals: Once both the Board of Regents and the labor partner(s) ratified the collective bargaining agreements, this position issues implementing instructions for affected department management. Additionally, this position manages and guides the implementation process through trainings with target audiences.

• Grievances and Administrative Proceedings: This position is key point of contact for providing support to the College in its efforts to respond to, initiate, prosecute, defend, and monitor a wide range of administrative proceedings such as grievances, arbitrations, conflict resolution, prohibited practice complaints, appeals, and mediation.

• Employee Relations Management: Promotes positive employee relations in support of early intervention strategies and complaint mitigation. Engages with employee group representatives and key stakeholders to achieve successful and sustainable solutions to complex problems and issues with countywide implications.

This position may have a variable work schedule and requires occasional travel. Concurrent private practice is prohibited.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor, J.D. from an ABA accredited school.

• Licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of Nevada.

• Five years of experience in the practice of law with substantial employment and/or labor law, including a focus on labor relations, collective bargaining, and/or employment litigation in Nevada.

• Experience in the public sector.

• Demonstrated expertise in collective bargaining, contract negotiation and labor law interpretation; strong Analytical skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and conflict resolution abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in the practice of law with substantial employment and/or labor law, including a focus on labor relations, collective bargaining, and/or employment litigation in higher education or similar complex organizational setting.

The duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

SKILLS (Required)

• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills, including the ability to articulate positions, identify common ground, and craft mutually beneficial agreements while advocating for the interests of the organization.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively convey legal arguments, negotiate with bargaining unit members, and draft clear and concise legal documents.

• Analytical Thinking: Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex legal issues, anticipate potential challenges, and develop strategic solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement solutions in a timely and effective manner, while balancing legal requirements, organizational goals, and stakeholder interests.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport, foster constructive relationships, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including management, bargaining units, labor unions, collective bargaining units, employees, and regulatory agencies.

• Time Management: Effective time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Conflict Resolution: Proficiency in resolving conflicts and managing difficult conversations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism, while maintaining focus on achieving mutually acceptable outcomes.

• Contract Drafting and Review: Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and editing contracts and agreements to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal requirements and NSHE and institutional policies and procedures.

• Contract Drafting and Review: Ability to draft, review, and interpret complex legal documents, including collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and arbitration decisions.

• Legal Writing: Strong writing skills to draft clear, concise, and legally sound contracts, agreements, and legal memos.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to identify potential legal issues, inconsistencies, and ambiguities in contracts and agreements.

ABILITIES (Required)

• Legal Analysis: Ability to analyze complex legal issues, statutes, regulations, and case law to provide accurate and practical legal advice and recommendations.

• Collaboration: Capacity to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, including the institution’s departments, administrators, and procurement teams, as well as external parties, such as vendors, contractors, and legal counsel.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, organizational needs, and legal requirements in a dynamic higher education environment.

• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in legal practice, including confidentiality, integrity, and professional responsibility, while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.

• Leadership: Ability to lead and guide negotiation teams, coordinate resources, and inspire confidence and trust in the organization's labor relations strategy and objectives.

• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to think strategically, anticipate future challenges, and develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor relations issues and opportunities.

• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate complex and evolving legal and business environments, adjust negotiation strategies as needed, and respond effectively to changing circumstances.

• Influence and Persuasion: Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders through persuasive argumentation, credible analysis, and effective advocacy, while maintaining professionalism and respect for opposing viewpoints.

• Risk Management: Skill in assessing and managing legal and business risks associated with labor relations matters, including compliance obligations, financial implications, and reputational concerns.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Required)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Starting Salary Range

Administrative Faculty E - The starting salary is $135,821.