Assistant Legal Counsel

Oregon School Boards Association • Salem, OR

2d • $115,327 - $135,188 • Hybrid

About The Position

Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) is dedicated to improving student success and education equity through advocacy, leadership, and service to Oregon public school boards. OSBA is a public benefit non-profit corporation whose members include school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

OSBA strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values the diversity of our staff and our members. We promote fairness and equity to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and has a voice.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We have seen the research that indicates people of color and women hesitate to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet all of the job qualifications. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications. You may be exactly who OSBA needs.

Step inside our world and you'll find one passionate leader after another working together in a spirit of collaboration that is simply contagious. The dynamic individuals who belong to the OSBA family are committed to excellence – for our members and the students our members serve.

Thank you for your interest in OSBA. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Sara Nelson, OSBA’s Human Resources Manager, to discuss your application.

General Position Description:
The Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) employs approximately 35 staff members, 26 of whom are represented under a collective bargaining agreement. OSBA operates in a hybrid work environment based in Salem, Oregon, providing services to public school districts, community colleges and education service entities across the state.
Works under the supervision of and reports to the Director of Legal Services. Provides quality, effective legal services for OSBA and PACE members by providing legal advice, training and claim representation as well as legal advice and support to OSBA and PACE departments. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal Services, Chief Legal Officer/Deputy Executive Director or the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Active member of the Oregon State Bar or eligible to be licensed to practice within a short period of time.
• Background in employment law required.
• Experience advising clients/organizations on employment related topics (e.g., Title VII, ORS 659A.030, protected leaves, disability accommodations) is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with public sector representation generally and with education law highly preferred.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, the Oregon public education system or similar government operations is preferred.
• Experience with public sector legal issues (e.g., public meetings, public records), and/or school and education law (e.g., Title IX, civil rights, student records) preferred.
• Experience in civil litigation and knowledge of Oregon state and federal court rules is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice to member school districts, charter schools, community colleges and Education Service Districts on a range of legal issues including but not limited to: labor and employment maters, public record and public meetings, student records, review of contracts, waivers, student disciplinary procedures and other issues which give rise to potential legal liability for members.
• Assists OSBA and PACE in developing and presenting statewide topical workshop programs for partner organizations.
• Develops individualized workshops for members as assigned.
• Remains current on developing issues and changes in relevant rules or laws to inform and assists OSBA members through written legal updates on impact and implementation.
• May represent the interests of PACE members in litigation.
• May serve as primary counsel in representing members regarding BOLI, EEOC, or OCR complaints or other matters covered under the insurance coverage contracts.
• Provides legal support to OSBA and PACE departments as assigned.
• Works independently in such a manner which advances the OSBA’s goal of quality service delivery to OSBA members.
• Communicates effectively with members (e.g., board members, district or college staff and others) within the course of work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• OSBA also participates in Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pays the employee's contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level