Attorney, Labor Relations (Anticipated Vacancy) (SY26-27)

This position is an anticipated vacancy expected to be vacant by 10/02/2026. The hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated. Reports to: Director of Labor Relations.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, administer, interpret and enforce 13+ collective bargaining agreements for approximately 9,600 employees; devise and implement strategies for effective negotiations.
• Advise principals, headmasters, executives, managers and supervisors regarding labor and employment issues.
• Lead litigation related to labor grievances at the district level, including disciplinary hearings, arbitrations regarding employee performance, discipline and contract interpretation, and proceedings before the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations, Civil Service Commission and State Courts.
• Draft motions, collective bargaining agreements, legal memoranda and post‑arbitration briefs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with union leadership, such as monthly labor‑management meetings.
• Develop, train and provide instruction necessary to support BPS labor‑relations objectives and ensure fair, consistent, and efficient administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Law Degree, Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and labor relations protocols, M.G.L. 150E, and state and federal employment laws.
• Excellent legal writing, oral, and presentation skills.
• Proficient project‑management skills in a multiple‑location/unit environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Current authorization to work in the United States (must be in place by the first day of employment).

Preferred:

• Minimum of 5 years of employee and labor relations experience, including conflict resolution, dispute resolution, collective bargaining, and litigation.
• Experience with mediation and other dispute‑resolution systems and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team‑based environment.
• Experience managing collective bargaining agreements and impact‑bargaining negotiations.

Terms

• Managerial, D61.
• Subject to the City of Boston residency requirement.
• The Boston Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, disability, pregnancy, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other protected characteristic.
• BPS does not tolerate retaliation, bias‑based intimidation, threat, or harassment.
• Accommodations for the application process are available through the Accommodations Unit at accommodations@bostonpublicschools.org.