Labor Relations Counsel & Chief Negotiator Job Listing at College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV (Job ID R0145001)

Description

The College of Southern Nevada appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

If you are unable to attach the required documents to your online application or need assistance regarding the application process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team within Human Resources via email at hr.recruitment@csn.edu or call (702) 651-5800 to be directed to the appropriate Recruiter.

Job Description

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

About the College of Southern Nevada

Founded in 1971 and situated in the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area, the College of Southern Nevada is the most ethnically diverse college in Nevada and the first to receive the HSI designation. We've prioritized providing an affordable, collaborative, and welcoming environment that allows all students to shine. CSN is a fully accredited institution offering hundreds of degrees and certificates in 70 academic programs. CSN proudly hosts students from all 50 states and over 60 countries with a student population that mirrors Clark County Nevada, one of the most diverse counties in the US. More than one-third of our students are first-generation, half are Pell Grant eligible, and nearly three-fourths are part-time.

The College of Southern Nevada, a Minority Serving Institution designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) provides associates and select bachelor's degrees. Consistent with CSN's mission, vision, and values we are passionate about fostering an environment where our highly diverse students achieve, succeed, and prosper. 

Institutional Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The College of Southern Nevada recognizes that embracing diversity maximizes faculty and staff contribution to our goals and provides the best opportunity for student achievement. We seek faculty who demonstrate their commitment to our communities, value equity and inclusion, and amplify diverse perspectives. Faculty are intentional about providing culturally responsive instruction to promote creativity, innovation, growth, and academic excellence.

We believe equity is the foundation for a thriving, justice-centered institution that serves all. We strive to uphold our mission, to create, and preserve an inclusive environment that is dedicated to achieving educational access, equity, inviolable dignity, and opportunity for all to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. 

We ensure that all our work and efforts are transformative and build a truly Students First institutional culture. We commit to the journey ahead, embrace difficult conversations, examine implicit biases, and remain steadfast in our continuous process of improvement. We do this by creating, uplifting, and centering all the voices and experiential knowledge of our students, employees, and campus communities.  

CSN is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, and veteran status in the programs or activities which it operates.

Why Live and Work in Southern Nevada?

The region has an environment where professional satisfaction and career achievement are paired with optimal quality of life in a locale with abundant opportunities for work and leisure. Southern Nevada is an excellent base camp for outdoor recreation. Popular nearby hiking and rock-climbing spots include Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon, the National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and Valley of Fire State Park.

Residents enjoy vibrant urban and suburban communities, within the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson, world-class restaurants, and beautiful parks. The region features a reasonable cost of living, with affordable prices on everything from housing to utilities to groceries compared to most major cities across the nation. Thanks to its mild winters and ample sunshine, the area appeals to a variety of age groups, from retirees to early career professionals. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available to keep families busy. Las Vegas is also a haven for professional sports fans with the NHL Golden Knights (2023 Stanley Cup Winner), WNBA Las Vegas Aces (2023 National Champions), NFL Raiders Football Team, Las Vegas Lights FC and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Benefits of Working at CSN

• Grant-in-Aid: Tuition & fee assistance for employees and their families at NSHE institutions.

• Time Off: CSN provides a variety of time off options to help employees manage their work-life balance.

• Holidays: All CSN employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

• Benefits: CSN offers attractive and customizable health insurance plans for employee and dependents.

• Retirement Plan:  Participants contribute 17.5% with 100% employer match.

• On-site Early Childhood Education Center services available

• Learning & professional development opportunities.

• Active CSN Affinity Groups that focus on campus-wide diversity initiatives to create a welcoming campus climate.

For more information about the benefits offered at CSN, please click the link https://www.csn.edu/benefits

Job Description

*This position will be Open until Filled.  For full consideration, all application related materials should be submitted by November 22, 2024.

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.

Exempt

Full-Time Equivalent 

Required Attachment(s)

To be considered for this position, please upload the following documents to your application:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Contact information for three professional references (Name, email and phone number)

• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (Applicants who have earned their degrees outside of the United States must have their educational transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluator if their college or university is not listed in the most recent edition of the Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc. If you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to the Human Resources, Talent Acquisition & Classification team)

National Search

Out of Area/State Candidates may be offered travel reimbursement with original itemized receipts and in accordance with GSA rates at time of travel.

NSHE - INTERNAL APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE

CSN employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at CSN and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the requisition number in the search box. If you complete an application outside of the internal application process and apply as an external candidate, your application will no longer be considered at the time of minimum qualification review. In order to prevent the disqualification of your application, you will need to reapply as an internal candidate before 11:59pm the day prior to the position close date.

For more details on this position, please visit our website: My Career at CSN.

CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.  

All document(s) must be received by 11:59 p.m. the day prior to the closing date posted on the job announcement.

This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.  

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.  

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.  

CSN is responsive to serving the educational needs of a diverse and ever-changing community. CSN employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. CSN does not sponsor aliens applying for faculty, professional staff, or management positions (H-1B Visas) in the absence of exceptional circumstances as defined by the USCIS.