General Counsel

The Kansas National Education Association (KNEA), a state-level affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), is seeking an attorney to serve as General Counsel.

Position Description: KNEA provides legal services to its local affiliates and members in school districts across Kansas. The General Counsel answers directly to the KNEA Executive Director and to the KNEA Board of Directors. The General Counsel’s work site is at the Topeka, Kansas, KNEA headquarters office.

The General Counsel attends Board of Directors meetings to provide counsel to KNEA on its legal and employment matters. The General Counsel advises management and leadership on compliance with internal governing documents as well as external laws and regulations. The General Counsel assists in drafting, interpreting, and applying various legal documents. The General Counsel also represents KNEA or monitors KNEA’s litigation and completes internal investigations. The General Counsel collaborates with KNEA’s various constituencies to ensure that KNEA is progressing on its strategic initiatives and is up-to-date on evolving laws and trends in education, labor, and employment law.

The General Counsel supervises two staff attorneys in the KNEA Legal Services Department and a confidential executive assistant and is responsible for administering the member legal services program. Through that program, the KNEA Legal Services Department represents, advises, and trains hundreds of members each school year in various employment-related matters. These include contract negotiations and enforcement; prohibited practice complaints and labor actions before the Kansas Department of Labor; licensure; KPERS disability and retirement; disciplinary issues, such as suspension and dismissal; unemployment; and legislative and policy matters affecting Kansas education.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active Kansas law license
• Exceptional research, writing, oral advocacy, analytical, communication, and client-management skills
• Litigation experience in state and federal courts at the district and/or appellate levels, with state administrative agencies (Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas State Board of Education), or arbitration forums, preferred
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership to a legal team, including supervising attorneys, legal staff, or managing a legal services program, preferred.
• Knowledge and expertise in labor, administrative, employment, and education law, preferred
• Knowledge and experience in criminal law, desired
• Ability to build trusting relationships with KNEA staff, leaders, members, and the public

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to KNEA’s mission to provide and promote quality public schools, strengthen the teaching profession, and provide for the well-being of its members
• Represent KNEA, its affiliates, and members in Kansas courts, state legislative proceedings, administrative agencies, arbitration forums, and due process hearings
• Provide legal review, advice and counsel, and written opinions to staff and members regarding pertinent legal issues and legislative activity
• Oversee network attorneys and retained counsel by reviewing billable hours, managing related budget elements, and ensuring outside legal support aligns with KNEA’s litigation strategy and organizational priorities.
• Develop and present training and materials on issues affecting staff and members
• Serve as counsel to the KNEA Board of Directors and as staff liaison for KNEA commissions and committees
• Some light travel required for client advocacy, training, and continued education
• Other duties as assigned by KNEA

Salary and Fringe Benefits:

• Salary range: $130,000–$145,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including employer-provided health and dental insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; outstanding employer contributions to defined contribution retirement plan; generous vacation, sick, and holiday leaves; and company vehicle
• Access to the NEA-network of information and attendance at legal conferences

About KNEA: KNEA’s mission is to advocate for education professionals and unite our members, Kansans, and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. Our members include PK-12 educators, higher education employees, education support professionals, aspiring educators, and retired educators.

How to Apply: Qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, a legal writing sample, and five (5) references to: Sarah Meyer, Executive Assistant - sarah.meyer@knea.org. Applications must be received by January 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

KNEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)

Work Location: In person