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Associate General Counsel, Employment
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Legal
Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Dec 13, 2024
Job Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an experienced, creative, collaborative, practical lawyer to serve as Associate General Counsel, Employment (AGC). This role will have primary responsibility for supporting WHOI’s management of its broad workforce, including adhering to federal and state legal requirements concerning the terms of employment, advice on employment-related allegations, internal investigations of allegations of violation of laws or policy, management of benefit plans, and labor relations.The Associate General Counsel will serve as the principal counsel on all employment matters and activities, including primary responsibility for internal investigation, administrative proceedings related to employment issues and management of outside counsel handling litigation matters. The Associate General Counsel also will work closely with WHOI People Operations to develop and help implement policies and practices across the organization to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices. In addition, the AGC will have primary responsibility for labor relations, including negotiating, implementing and managing collective bargaining agreements; development and administration of employee benefit plans; and advising on employee disciplinary issues. The AGC will report to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, and work closely with People Operations, the Vice President of Science and Engineering, Vice President of Marine Operations, department chairs, and other supervisors within the Institution.
The position is hybrid, with weekly in person presence on campus required.
Job Description
Essential Functions & Duties
Provide legal counsel, advice, and support on labor and employment matters, including employee and student benefits programs; ADA and accommodations, ERISA, wage and hour, pay equity, affirmative action, Equal Employment Opportunity, immigration, labor relations, and multistate and international employment compliance.
Advise and assist in the development of the Institution’s policies and procedures, including such areas as nondiscrimination and unlawful harassment.
Advise People Operations on legal obligations and risks that arise from employee disciplinary and performance issues.
Represent or oversee the representation of the Institution and management in judicial and administrative proceedings when necessary.
Significant responsibility for negotiating, implementing and managing collective bargaining agreements, including advising People Operations and the Academic Program Office.
Advise on appropriate coordination of reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct involving multiple regulatory schemes, including Title IX, the Safer Seas Act and other federal and state laws.
Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions; analyze a wide variety of legal documents; handle stressful and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Non-Essential Functions
Performs other duties as deemed necessary.
Required Education & Experience
J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
10+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
Excellent academic credentials, writing, analytical, and communication skills, and a strong sense of ethics.
Sustained and substantive legal experience in employment-related areas of law and policy and a strong interest in having a diverse practice, including outside of employment-related areas.
A strategic thinker who can move fluidly between the big picture and details, who will bring pragmatism, a sense of urgency, and a bias toward action.
Ability to work collaboratively and establish strong relationships with different constituencies across the entire Institution, including senior administration, scientists, engineers, and business clients, as well as constituencies that support the complex research and marine operations of the Institution and its activities.
Ability to analyze, identify, and provide counsel on a broad range of compliance and legal requirements while at the same time balancing the interests of a research and educational institution.
Anticipates and identifies legal issues, counsels officers of the institution and management, and develops legal strategies and solutions.
Willingness and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives effectively and efficiently.
Desired Experience
Experience in house at a research university or similar organization
Experience in employee benefits and ERISA matters.
Experience in compliance with Federal government laws and regulations, including those applicable to government contractors.
Additional Job Requirements
Required Documents
• Resume.
• Cover Letter.
• References upon request.
Physical Requirements
Physical tasks include mostly sedentary with occasional prolonged standing/walking, use of hands for basic grasping and manipulation, and repetitive motion. Other occupational requirements include talking, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.