At Acero Schools, we are what we believe.

Achievement - We set goals and do what it takes to achieve them.

Community - We contribute to, respect and serve in our communities.

Excellence - We expect our best and strive to make our best even better.

Resilience - We learn and grow through adversity and challenges.

Optimism - We believe in our ability to create the future we envision.

Title: Deputy General Counsel

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports To: General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer

How to Apply: https://platform.teachermatch.org/jobsboard.do?districtId=569404168

Position Overview

The Deputy General Counsel is responsible for serving as the lead attorney on all labor relation matters, implementing and managing legal operational processes, handling complex transactional matters and supporting the daily functions of the Legal Department as directed by the General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer.

Core Responsibilities

·        Provide counsel and assist with all labor relation matters:

o   Serve as lead member of collective bargaining team in negotiations with union and union representation.

o   Advise senior management and campus leadership on collective bargaining negotiations and contract administration.

o   Represent Acero in collective bargaining negotiations and manage its relationship with union officers and field representatives.

o   Coordinate management response to union grievances relating to the administration of collective bargaining agreements.

o   Manage the preparation and presentation of charges related to the National Labor Relations Act.

o   Coordinate representation of Acero in arbitration matters arising as a result of grievance procedures under collective bargaining agreements.

o   Provide advice on and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements to network management and campus leadership.

o   Conduct discharge and disciplinary reviews for union and non-union staff in alignment with Acero’s approach to performance management.

o   Advise network management and campus leadership on policies concerning wage, hours, and working conditions to ensure compliance with labor and employment law as well as collective bargaining agreements.

o   Promote active relationship management as a tool for dispute resolution and third-party avoidance.

o   Provide ongoing training to network administration and campus leadership as a means of proactive employee and labor relationship management.

·        Oversee legal department operations:

o   Assist in management of legal department operations by developing, implementing, and monitoring metrics/client satisfaction measures.

o   Partner with Operations and Human Capital to drive the assessment, development and maintenance of network wide Compliance objectives.

o   Deliver training and co-develop tools to optimize management of legal and compliance processes and risks.

o   Participate in strategic planning including the development of departmental goals/initiatives and the metrics to evaluate progress toward those goals/initiatives. 

·        Manage complex transactions

·        Support General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer in management and coordination of internal investigations.

·        Support the management of FOIA requests.

·        Manage regulatory agency inquiries and investigations.

·        Responsible for special or strategic projects or initiatives as delegated by the General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer.

·        Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

·        Education

o   Juris Doctor required

o   License to practice law in Illinois required 

·        Knowledge, Skills and Ability

o   Knowledge of labor relations and labor and employment laws, as applied to the educational field

o   Knowledge of union contract administration and negotiation

o   Experience in employee discipline and performance management

o   Strong negotiation and communication skills

o   Critical thinking skills

o   Working knowledge of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint procedures

o   Working knowledge of arbitration procedures

o   Possess ability to establish performance metrics

o   Experience in providing training

o   Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word

o   Ability to travel for business as required

o   Must hold permanent residency in the United States (required)

Physical Demands

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, and the ability to commun