The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.   

Job Title: Senior Assistant General Counsel – Labor and Employment

Reports to: Chief Legal Counsel

Position Overview:

The Department of Higher Education (Department) seeks a highly motivated individual committed to public service to serve as the Department’s Senior Assistant General Counsel – Labor and Employment. The Board of Higher Education (BHE) is the employer of record as established in Chapter 150E of the Massachusetts General Laws for all the collective bargaining agreements affecting the 15 community colleges and nine state universities. The Department is the BHE’s state executive agency, and the Senior Assistant General Counsel directs all employee and labor relations activities on behalf of the BHE and the Department.

The Senior Assistant General Counsel also serves as the Department’s Director of Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity programs. This position primarily reports to the Chief Legal Counsel and has reporting responsibilities to the Deputy Commissioner for Administration, Finance, and Operations.

Responsibilities include assistance to the Department of Higher Education’s legal staff and the human resources staff on matters of employment affecting employees of the Department of Higher Education, the Board of Higher Education, and the community colleges and state universities.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as lead negotiator for all employee and labor relations activities, including negotiating collective bargaining contracts on behalf of the Board and the Department of Higher Education.
• Provides legal advice and delivers resolutions to legal issues as they relate to recruiting, hiring, discrimination, discipline, terminations, wage and hour, privacy, American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA); application of Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and other federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Conducts and directs collective bargaining negotiations and assists in selecting the negotiating teams. Reviews all management proposals for compliance with policy, financial parameters, and law and assists in developing economic parameters.
• Provides