The Ohio Education Association (OEA) is seeking candidates for a challenging and rewarding position as a UniServ Collective Bargaining Consultant position located in downtown Columbus.  The successful candidate will join the Education Policy Research and Member Advocacy department. Professional staff members work collaboratively to inform OEA’s local and state advocacy for members’ professional and economic well-being and the continuing improvement of public education. Primary responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to planning, directing, and evaluating association collective bargaining strategies and collective bargaining processes to assist in the achievement of state and local collective bargaining goals. This person reports directly to the Director of the Education Policy Research and Member Advocacy department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A.     Develops statewide bargaining strategies and assists in the implementation of those strategies at the local level;

B.     Develops, on an on-going basis, statewide prototype contract language and disseminates said language to all Labor Relations Consultants;

C.     Serves as liaison between the OEA and outside agencies, which have an impact on the collective bargaining process (American Arbitration Association, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, State Teachers Retirement System, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, Bar Associations, Labor Organizations, Insurance carriers, etc.);

D.     Compiles and analyzes court decisions and arbitration awards that impact on the collective bargaining process, synthesizes said information, and provides periodic reports of said information to all labor relations consultants and to other staff members upon request;

E.      Assists in the legislative process as it impacts on the collective bargaining process;

F.      Assists in the development of contract language to be utilized in local bargaining upon request of a staff member;

G.     Assists in contract impasse resolution upon request of a staff member;

H.     Assists in the processing of grievances at arbitration upon request of a staff member;

I.      Attends seminars and training sessions relevant to the collective bargaining process and contract enforcement and disseminates relevant information obtained at aid seminars and training sessions to all labor relations consultants;

J.       Develops training programs consistent with statewide collective bargaining goals for Labor Relations Consultants and for locals relative to contract development and contract enforcement;

K.     Establishes an up-to-date data bank on arbitrators, which shall include their biographical information, fees charged, and awards rendered, and provides said information upon request of another staff member;

L.      Serves as liaison to other divisions as assigned; and

M.     Serves in field operations as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

5. Bachelor’s degree (Masters or Law degree preferred) and minimum of three to five years of successful experience in collective bargaining and contract administration
6. Demonstrated work experience developing and implementing evidence-based, collective bargaining strategies, including extensive knowledge of labor-management relations, collective bargaining law, organizing and crisis management,  school funding, P-12 and higher education issues, and employee benefits including health insurance and the Affordable Care Act
7. Demonstrated understanding of and work experience with research methodologies and data management and their application to collective bargaining strategies and language development, including knowledge of databases and resources relevant to collective bargaining and P-12 and higher education issues
8. Demonstrated successful experience at developing and presenting arbitration cases and writing arbitration briefs, including familiarity with arbitration database management
9. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing and with contemporary electronic technologies
10. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex issues with cross-functional, diverse teams (internal and external)
11. Willingness to travel, work weekends and serve as staff liaison to OEA governance and affiliated groups
12. Knowledge of adult learning theory with demonstrated successful experience at planning and conducting professional development for small groups and for conferences and events, preferred

APPLICATIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION:

This is a bargaining unit position with a starting salary of $73,223.00 to $86,594.00. Generous fringe benefits include paid vacation and sick leave; medical, dental and vision insurance; paid holidays; tuition reimbursement; retirement plan and 401(k).  Interested candidates should respond no later than May 16, 2014 by e-mailing a cover letter and resume to hr@ohea.org or send by mail to:  OEA, Attn: HR, P. O. Box 2550, Columbus, OH  43216.

Visit our website at www.ohea.org for information about OEA. This position will remain open until filled.

The OEA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.