Duties Description The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is seeking candidates for an Assistant Counsel to serve as the Director of Labor Relations in the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM). Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources Management, the incumbent of this position will plan, develop, and direct the Department's labor relations program, with major responsibility for contract administration, grievance and disciplinary administration, labor management, and employee relations activities. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Oversee the administration and implementation of applicable collective bargaining agreements;
• Research contractual issues and provide technical advice to leadership on complex technical issues;
• Direct or participate in all statewide labor management committees and work groups;
• Oversee the administration of the agency grievance program and protocol, and navigate complex grievance issues;
• Oversee the agency's discipline program by providing technical assistance to program managers and supervisors on disciplinary matters, directing investigations, and recommending appropriate action;
• Analyze and make recommendations regarding the Memorandums of Agreement and Understanding for unclassified personnel at the NYS Schools for the Blind and Deaf;
• Oversee all investigations and cases referred to the Department by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs;
• Represent the Department in agency level reviews and hearings;
• Assess labor relations training needs, and develop and deliver training regarding effective labor relations practices, NYS labor contracts, collective bargaining, employee discipline, and related topics;
• Evaluate agency policies and procedures to assess their impact on the agency labor relations program;
• Represent the Department at meetings and conferences with agency administrators, counsel, union officials, the Office of Employee Relations (OER), Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) and the Department of Civil Service;
• Establish effective working relationships with union personnel to independently resolve matters in a timely and efficient manner and clearly articulate the outcome for leadership; and
• Supervise and assign the work of the labor relations team, monitor and review completed work, and provide mentorship, leadership, and training to subordinate professional staff.
Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had at least four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrated experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or employment law with a public employer or in a unionized environment.
• Ability to analyze complex workplace issues, interpret contractual and regulatory requirements, and provide sound recommendations to executive leadership as well as guidance to labor relations staff.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to foster productive partnerships with labor representatives and key stakeholders.
• Experience managing sensitive investigations, conflict resolution, and personnel matters while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leaders, facilitating training, and representing an organization in formal proceedings.
• Proven leadership experience supervising professional staff, managing competing priorities, and driving continuous improvement in organizational practices and programs.
Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position is in the exempt class, and the incumbent will serve at the discretion of the Commissioner of Education. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Verification of admission to the New York State Bar will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. Candidates are required to possess and maintain admission to the New York State Bar. Continued employment as Assistant Counsel is dependent upon maintaining admission to the New York State Bar. Failure to maintain admission to the New York State Bar will result in removal from employment. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. This position will require up to 10% in-state travel. Filling of this position is contingent upon Division of the Budget approval.
Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Eight (8) days of paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
Health Care Benefits
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
Additional Benefits
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Office of Human Resources Management
Fax (518) 486-5631
Email Address Jobs@nysed.gov
Address
Street New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, Room 528 EB
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12234
Notes on Applying APPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by December 28, 2026 to Jobs@nysed.gov (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (EXEC-284/01811) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.
