ANNOUNCEMENT     #M-62UJ                                

Position:                     Associate Executive Director/Chief Counsel – Legal Services

Location:                     Burlingame (1705 Murchison Drive, Burlingame CA 94010)

Salary Range:             Management Salary Structure

Unit Description and/or Conditions Unique to Assignment:
The Chief Counsel serves as a member of CTA’s executive management team and reports directly to the Executive Director with a dotted line to CTA’s Board of Directors.

The Chief Counsel is responsible for managing CTA’s legal services department, CTA’s Group Legal Services program, and the organization’s legal matters.  As a member of CTA’s executive management team, the Chief Counsel participates in developing and implementing CTA’s strategies affecting members and employees.  As the chief advisor to the CTA Board of Directors and Executive Director, the Chief Counsel provides legal advice on programs and activities including business, legislation, human rights, governance, and employment related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advises the CTA Executive Director and the Board of Directors
• Conducts and/or oversees the conduct of all litigation on behalf of CTA and its members
• Manages staff members assigned to the legal department
• Develops preventative legal strategies, policies, and compliance programs to minimize litigation
• Serves as a member of the executive management team to support and advance CTA’s mission
• Acts as the legal representative of CTA to outside agencies in legal matters
• Assigns counsel to represent members and chapters
• Coordinates outside counsel assigned to CTA labor relations
• Manages the Group Legal Services Program
• Maintains records of all legal actions and administrative matters involving legal counsel 
• Assumes responsibility for obtaining funding from NEA for legal services and coordinating efforts with NEA on jointly funded litigation
• Provides legal advice to the Executive Director, management staff and CTA officers and directors
• Develops and implements training programs for CTA employees and members concerning legal issues
• Represents CTA in working with other agencies and community groups to promote the mission, goals and core values of CTA
• Manages the legal department budget
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications:

• J.D. Required
• Membership in the State Bar of California or obtain membership within first 12 months of employment
• Ten or more years of legal experience practicing labor, employment and/or education law, with five or more years of management experience preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of the legal requirements applicable to employee organizations
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex legal issues and documents
• Ability to write quickly and persuasively
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquires and complaints
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to members, employee groups, managers, outside organizations, and the Board of Directors
• Ability to foster and maintain positive relationships, work collaboratively with constituents, and lead, influence and motivate others
• Ability to develop and implement strategic and innovative solutions to the resolution of complex or sensitive legal issues
• Ability to work as a team member to provide strategic direction and guidance regarding legal objectives, programs and processes
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and drafting skills

Application Instructions:
Apply by Email:                        Employment@cta.org
By Mail:                                   Department of Human Resources Management
                                                California Teachers Association
                                                Post Office Box 921
                                                Burlingame, California 94011-0921
By Fax:                                    (650) 552-5006

Applications may be filed up to the time the Application Screening Committee meets.

Use as a reference the announcement number located in the upper left corner of this announcement.

Internal applicants please submit your current résumé. Applicants who are not currently employed by CTA must submit a completed CTA application, a current résumé, and a writing sample. If an application has been submitted within the past two years, you do not need to complete a new one at this time.  You can access the CTA application on-line at: http://www.cta.org/about/employment.

This position is external to the CSO bargaining unit. 

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.