Assistant Counsel, Employee Relations

$90,000 - $105,000/Yr

State of New York - Albany, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Albany, NY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Assistant Counsel, Employee Relations position is a vital role within the Counsel's Office at the SUNY System Administration. This position is responsible for representing the University in its relations with unionized employees across 29 campuses and System Administration. The incumbent will engage in the development and implementation of employee relations policies and practices, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and related statutes, rules, regulations, and case law. The role involves statewide negotiations, coordinating campus involvement in the bargaining process, and maintaining regular communication with campuses regarding their rights and responsibilities under collective bargaining agreements. In addition to negotiation responsibilities, the Assistant Counsel will serve as the Chancellor's representative in hearing appeals of disciplinary and contract grievances. This includes coordinating the defense of improper practice charges before the Public Employment Relations Board and representing State-operated campuses in the expedited disciplinary arbitration process for all CSEA represented employees. The position requires a strong understanding of public sector labor law in New York State and the ability to navigate complex employee relations issues effectively. The Assistant Counsel will supervise the administration of six collective bargaining agreements and provide guidance on the application of Civil Service Law Rules, Regulations, and Procedures. The role also involves serving as a hearing officer in grievance proceedings, mediating disputes, and developing binding dispute settlement agreements. The incumbent will advise campus officers on union contract interpretation, dispute resolution, and disciplinary matters, ensuring that campus designees are well-prepared for grievance decisions. Furthermore, the Assistant Counsel will act as a liaison to advocate for campus and SUNY positions to various external constituencies, including unions and government offices, and will assist in the preparation of contract and disciplinary arbitrations.

Responsibilities

• Represent the University in statewide negotiations and coordinate campus involvement in the bargaining process.
• Serve as the Chancellor's representative in hearing appeals of disciplinary and contract grievances.
• Coordinate the defense of improper practice charges before the Public Employment Relations Board.
• Supervise the administration of six collective bargaining agreements and the application of Civil Service Law Rules, Regulations, and Procedures.
• Serve as a hearing officer in grievance proceedings and develop binding dispute settlement agreements.
• Advise campus officers on union contract interpretation, dispute resolution, and disciplinary matters.
• Act as a liaison to advocate campus and SUNY positions to external constituencies including unions and government offices.
• Assist in the preparation of contract and disciplinary arbitrations and other litigation.
• Provide assistance and training to campus officers on policies and programs related to employee relations.
• Coordinate lay-off activities of campuses for classified service employees.

Requirements

• Admittance to the NYS Bar.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience practicing public sector labor law in New York State.

Benefits

• NYS health insurance
• Free dental and vision coverage
• Competitive retirement options
• Tuition assistance
• Parental leave at full pay
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday time
• 13 days of paid holidays per year
• 21 days of vacation accrued each year
• 21 days of sick time accrued each year