Labor Atttorney

4 days ago

Portland, Oregon, United States Relay Resources Full time

Relay Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and believes each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to adjust the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Disabled people / people with disabilities and neurodivergent people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Relay Core Competencies

  • Focus on Strengths
  • Prioritize Informed Action
  • Communicate Clearly
  • Champion Disability Inclusion
  • Build Supportive Relationships

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Labor Attorney, serves as the organization's senior authority on labor and employment matters at Relay Resources. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and partnering closely with executive leadership. This role integrates hands-on legal practice, leadership of internal investigations, and strategic oversight of the employee and labor relations function.

This position provides expert legal counsel, representation, and strategic guidance on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining, union grievances, employment disputes, and compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws. As a highly visible leader, the Director will play a pivotal role in rebuilding and strengthening the labor relations function, establishing structure, assessing talent, and implementing data-driven systems for accountability and performance measurement.

The Director also leads and develops the Employee & Labor Relations team, including the Employee & Labor Relations Manager and the Labor Specialist, serving as a key architect of Relay's employee relations strategy, workplace culture, and compliance excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Legal Counsel & Labor Relations

  • Serve as internal labor counsel for all employment-related legal matters.
  • Lead collective bargaining negotiations and maintain a productive, professional union relationship (SEIU).
  • Manage internal investigations, grievances, and disciplinary processes across departments.
  • Reduce outside counsel spend by developing robust in-house capabilities.
  • Interpret and communicate bargaining agreements to management and staff.
  • Prepare and review documentation and evidence for disciplinary meetings, grievances, and arbitrations.
  • Support contract negotiations, tracking outcomes, commitments, and compliance.
  • Advise the CHRO, CEO, CFO, COO, and executive team on personnel risk, compliance, and labor strategy.
  • Maintain up-to-date case management systems and prepare monthly reports on ER/LR activity and outcome

2. Training & Policy Support

  • Develop and deliver training for management and staff on labor law, employee relations, and compliance.
  • Provide coaching and legal guidance to leaders on the lawful handling of employee relations matters.
  • Review and revise HR policies and practices to ensure compliance with evolving employment laws.
  • Support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce retention.
  • Prepare and present policy and legal updates to the Executive Team and Board as requested

3. HR & Organizational Support

  • Collaborate with HR and other departments on strategic planning, workforce design, and compliance initiatives.
  • Participate in leadership hiring and organizational restructuring, offering legal and strategic input.
  • Engage in special projects, including interim leadership coverage and complex labor matters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 6+ years of progressive experience practicing labor and employment law, ideally within the Pacific Northwest.
  • Deep knowledge of union negotiations, grievance management, and collective bargaining strategy.
  • Demonstrated management experience within an employee or labor relations function.
  • Oregon Bar admission (or eligibility for reciprocity).
  • In-house counsel or government/public sector experience is highly desirable.
  • Mission-aligned, values-driven, and committed to equity and disability inclusion.
  • Understanding nonprofit or complex corporate structures is a plus.
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law in Oregon or eligibility for reciprocity.
  • Demonstrated experience in labor and employment law, including in unionized environments.
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience representing employers in arbitration, mediation, or litigation.
  • Training or presentation experience on employment law topics.
  • Experience working with diverse and disability-inclusive workforces.
  • Membership in SHRM, ABA Labor & Employment Law Section, or local bar associations.
  • Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or sensitive situations.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

  • Operates with significant independence and authority while collaborating with HR and executive leadership.
  • Provides expert legal counsel and manages organizational risk across employee and labor relations matters.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • Works under moderate supervision with independent decision-making authority regarding legal advice and labor relations matters.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Office atmosphere
  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Travel to off-site locations
  • Use of personal transportation to meet work requirements.
  • Use a variety of office equipment
  • Moderate noise level