Labor and Employment Counsel (12 month), Human Resources

This role is an exciting opportunity to serve as a leader within a diverse and dynamic team committed to transforming public education in the Providence Public School District (PPSD). We’re hiring someone who believes in the capacity of all students to achieve at high levels, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse set of partners and stakeholders to drive transformative change within and outside of an organization.

We serve approximately 22,000 students at 37 elementary, middle, and high schools. Approximately 55% of students come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. Combined, our students and families speak 55 different languages and hail from 91 countries of origin.

The Labor & Employment Counsel provides direct legal and strategic support to the Providence Public School District (PPSD) on all matters related to labor and employment law, collective bargaining, and employee relations. Working under the direction of the Executive Director of Labor Relations and Employee Services, this position plays a critical role in negotiating, interpreting, and enforcing collective bargaining agreements; representing the district in administrative and arbitration proceedings; and providing day-to-day legal guidance on labor and personnel matters to school and central office administrators.

The Counsel ensures that labor and employment practices across the district are compliant, equitable, and aligned with the district’s mission to recruit, support, and retain world-class educators and staff.

**Contingent upon funding**

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

Qualifications - Required:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Rhode Island Bar (or eligibility for immediate admission upon hire).
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws, including collective bargaining statutes.
• Exceptional legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with unionized employee groups.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion.

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in labor and employment law, preferably within the public or education sector.
• Experience negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience conducting arbitration or administrative hearings.
• Demonstrated success working in a collaborative, problem-solving environment.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Labor Relations

• Support negotiations for multiple collective bargaining agreements; develop bargaining strategies and proposals aligned with district priorities.
• Interpret and administer contract provisions across all employee groups, providing clear and consistent guidance to district and school leaders.
• Represent the district in grievance hearings, arbitrations, and proceedings before the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Labor Relations Board, and other administrative agencies.
• Support the Executive Director of Labor Relations and Employee Services in managing and tracking grievances, arbitrations, and settlement agreements.
• Draft, review, and edit collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of understanding, and related labor documents.
• Build and sustain productive working relationships with union leadership through ongoing labor–management collaboration and problem solving.

Employment Law & Litigation

• Advise on compliance with federal and state employment laws including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and state-specific labor regulations.
• Prepare legal memoranda, responses, and position statements for internal and external proceedings.
• Represent the district in employee disciplinary hearings and appeals; assist in case preparation for outside counsel when litigation is required.
• Conduct or support investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, workplace disputes, and policy violations, ensuring due process and confidentiality.

Policy & Compliance

• Advise on the development, implementation, and interpretation of district personnel policies and procedures.
• Partner with Human Resources and Employee Services teams to ensure consistent application of laws, contracts, and district policies.
• Develop and deliver training for administrators on topics such as contract administration, discipline and due process, and effective labor relations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting employment and labor practices and recommend appropriate policy updates.

Advisory & Collaboration

• Provide timely legal counsel to district leaders, school administrators, and HR personnel on labor and employment issues.
• Collaborate with the Office of Human Resources, Legal Counsel, and other departments to resolve complex or sensitive personnel matters.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives designed to strengthen district–union relations and improve the employee experience.