New York State Public Employees Federation
 

Associate Counsel
Contract Administration

Based in Albany, NY

 

Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse New York State labor union representing over 55,000 professional, scientific, and technical public employees across the state. We are committed to justice, equality, and improving the lives of our members through collective action. As one of the largest public-sector unions in New York, PEF champions fair wages, excellent benefits, and safe working conditions for its members in agencies and facilities statewide.

Position Summary:
The individual will assist the Director of Contract Administration in the monitoring and enforcement of the contracts PEF negotiates; represent PEF in various negotiations, including Labor/Management, Impact Bargaining, and Contract Negotiations; present cases in the triage and expedited arbitration process as assigned; assist and advise PEF staff, leadership, and members on any matters of contract interpretation and enforcement. Under the direction of the General Counsel, litigate in state and federal courts; handle proceedings before administrative agencies; respond to legal inquiries.

* This position is contingent for 1-year as there is a hold by the incumbent, pursuant to the PEF/USW collective bargaining agreement. *

Key Functions:

• As assigned by the Director of Contract Administration, acts as a PEF staff representative for negotiations. Can be part of a negotiation team or may be delegated responsibility for a particular negotiation project.
• Drafts and reviews contract proposals. Responsible for collecting and analyzing information to support PEF negotiation positions and can defend them at the negotiating table.
• Provides consistent and reliable advice on contract interpretation and intent. Analyzes contract grievances and recommends to the Director of Contract Administration if they should be advances to arbitration.
• Research and present cases in the triage and expedited arbitration process. May present the cases at arbitration as assigned by the Director of Contract Administration.
• Assists the Director of Contract Administration in researching and negotiating issues on the Executive Level Labor/Management Agenda.
• Assists the Director of Contract Administration in “troubleshooting” various contract-related issues that require contact with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.
• Assists with the education and training of PEF leaders on various matters related to PEF Contracts.
• Assists the Labor/Management Coordinator with various projects emanating from the Statewide Labor/Management Committees.
• Serves as an essential staff person on various PEF Contract committees.
• Develops communication to PEF Leadership and Staff on matters related to contract interpretation, Labor/Management Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, contract proposals, grievance processing and other matters.
• Assists the Legislative Department on proposals impacting on the terms and conditions of employment, including drafting legislation and negotiating the proposal on behalf of PEF.
• Under the direction of the General Counsel, may litigate in state and federal courts and before the National Labor Relations Board and the Public Employment Relations Board on Contract Administration-related matters.
• As assigned by the Director of Contract Administration, will perform other duties that are related to and consistent with the duties described herein.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school (3-year post-graduate program). 
• Admission, in good standing, to practice before the New York and Federal Courts. 
• No outside practice is permitted (after being hired). 

Successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with staff, members & elected members, and our executive team. 
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• A collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented mindset. 
• Strong organizational skills including time management and attention to detail.

Salary and Benefits: 
Salary Range: $95,572.00 (minimum) – $133,411.00 (maximum). 

PEF offers an excellent benefit package which include:

• Health insurance with Health Reimbursement (HRA) 
• Employer paid dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• 401-k with safe harbor contribution 
• Pension plan through SEIU
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
• Tuition reimbursement and on-going professional development

To Apply:
Interested individuals are invited to submit their résumé to HR@PEF.org