Labor and Employment Law Specialist (Job ID: 2024-3558)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Office of the General Counsel supports the work of the Institution through facilitating the legal and ethical pursuit of its objectives, managing legal issues when they arise, and serving as a resource to Brookings stakeholders.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.  

This is a one-year termed position with an extension contingent on funding.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Labor and Employment Law Specialist is responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance with the Institution’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and ongoing coordination between Brookings management and the union. The Specialist collaborates closely with Human Resources, Finance, and supervisors to provide guidance on labor-related matters. The Specialist also provides recommendations on a range of employment law matters and supports collective bargaining negotiations. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter expert for questions related to the union.

Labor Relations (50%)

• Coordinate the implementation of the three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Partner with HR and union leadership to ensure on-going compliance with the CBA.
• Track coordination between Brookings management and the union.
• In partnership with HR, investigate labor relations matters, employee grievances, contract disputes under the CBA, and union concerns.
• Prepare reports on sensitive union matters.
• Support Senior HR Business Partners on progressive discipline approaches and in prep meetings regarding other union matters.
• Provide guidance to management on policy changes with a union focus.
• Offer well-analyzed recommendations on relevant agreements and policies.
• Coordinate and lead labor-management meetings and training sessions.
• Lead labor-management issue resolution.

Employment Law Matters (25%)

• Participate in and advise on organizational change initiatives.
• Advise management and HR staff on labor and employment law changes.
• Review and support necessary changes to policies affecting alternative work arrangements, the affirmative action program, and the affiliates process.
• Assist in reviewing and standardizing policies and implementing compliance initiatives.
• Create materials and present trainings on employee and labor relations issues.

Labor Negotiation (25%)

• Collaborate with management leaders to develop strategies for collective bargaining.
• Shape labor policy recommendations and draft contract proposals.
• Participate as a member of the management bargaining team in negotiating changes to the CBA and associated policies.
• Coordinate resources and participate in the development of strategies related to labor negotiations, mediation, arbitration, grievances and grievance arbitration, unfair labor practices, administrative hearings, and legal proceedings.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirments

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Minimum three years work experience; labor relations experience required. Work experience in a fast-paced, professional work environment; a demonstrated ability to work with senior-level executives; ability to work on independent projects; superior desktop personal computer skills required. Experience in a legal department/law firm, and/or professional services firm or nonprofit organization preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Excellent written and oral communication skills; acute attention to detail; relentless commitment to follow-through; tech savvy with an ability to learn Workday and other systems; tactful and mature demeanor with ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders; demonstrate a commitment to Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community; high degree of professionalism with discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information; comfortable performing administrative/logistical coordination tasks; strong project management and delegation skills; ability to think ahead and plan proactively;  excellent organization and coordination skills with a high commitment to customer service; ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines and work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment and ability to prioritize between competing interests; self-starter; cooperative and flexible; a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as with a team.

Additional Information 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

This is a one-year termed position.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.