Assistant Counsel-Employment Law & Employee Relations
Firm
National Football League
Location
New York-New York City
Description
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<p><b>Overview /Objective: </b></p>
<p>The Assistant Counsel, Employment Law & Employee Relations will be responsible for an array of global employment-related functions including, but not limited to, providing day-to-day legal guidance on a wide range of employment issues, counseling human resources and business personnel on employee discipline/involuntary terminations, developing and administering workplace policies, investigating internal complaints regarding equal employment opportunity and other workplace policies, and working on a variety of other workforce matters. This role executes and enhances existing employment practices and workplace policies/best practices to maintain legal compliance, improve employee relations, and ensure the working environment at the NFL is equitable and enriching. </p>
<p>Using a thorough understanding of NY, California, and relevant international employment laws, workplace best practices, organizational dynamics, and comprehensive experience, this role engages with stakeholders located across our locations and partners closely with business leaders, HR Business Partners, and legal to address and close gaps. </p>
<p><b>Responsibilities: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Provide day-to-day legal advice, support, and training to key partners in HR, as well as other cross-functional stakeholders, on a variety of topics, including performance management, discipline, accommodations, leaves of absence, contingent workforce issues, compensation and benefits, wage & hour issues, and diversity and inclusion. </li>
<li>Assist in the preparation of responses to charges or complaints filed with administrative agencies such as the EEOC, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the California Civil Rights Department. </li>
<li>Assist in the response to other legal matters as needed, applying knowledge of legal processes and procedures, including subpoenas and discovery. </li>
<li>Investigate and propose solutions for complex and/or contentious employee relations matters in collaboration with HRBPs and managers; ensure complete and accurate documentation and tracking of all investigations. </li>
<li>Respond to multiple requests for guidance or investigation simultaneously, with urgency, and ensure that they are resolved promptly. </li>
<li>Track, identify, and report on trends in matters requiring investigation and develop and propose strategic solutions to address those trends. </li>
<li>Draft and edit employment-related documents and processes, providing guidance and training, as required. </li>
<li>Contribute to policies, standards, and business procedures designed to foster compliance with various employment laws and regulations, and to ensure our work environments embody trust, fairness, and inclusion for our employees. </li>
<li>Ensure that HR policies and procedures are clear, modern, and molded after best practices where feasible, communicated effectively to all employees, and area accessible to all. Also, ensure they are consistently applied across the organization. </li>
<li>Serve as a resource to employees and managers navigating workplace issues by providing practical and thoughtful advice that serves to elevate the NFL’s values. </li>
</ul>
<p>Coordinate formal and informal training on workplace issues such as performance management, anti-harassment, best practices for receiving complaints, and policy updates. </p>
<ul>
<li>Appropriately assess risk, demonstrating particular consideration for the NFL’s values and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to policies, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct, and business practices, and escalating, managing, and reporting issues with transparency. </li>
<li>Stay abreast of pending employment-related legislation to prepare the League to be compliant. </li>
<li>Ensure that employment-related notices, posters, and postings are compliant and timely for all of our locations. </li>
<li>Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, excellence, and professionalism. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Required Qualifications: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Law degree required, with admission to practice in New York or California. </li>
<li>Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 2 years in an employment law or employee relations function, with an emphasis on providing day-to-day advice and conducting investigations, including experience interviewing witnesses and preparing reports or recommendations. </li>
<li>Proven ability to partner with leaders at all levels to provide effective and strategic employee relations counsel. </li>
<li>Able to work collaboratively and independently with minimal supervision. </li>
<li>Demonstrated ability to protect and handle highly confidential information. </li>
<li>Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. </li>
<li>Excellent interpersonal, influence, and conflict-resolution skills. </li>
<li>Objectivity, sensitivity, and balanced perspective for employee concerns and organizational needs. </li>
<li>Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. </li>
<li>Impeccable judgment. </li>
<li>Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. </li>
<li>Thorough knowledge of NY, CA, and relevant international employment-related laws and regulations applicable to employee relations. </li>
<li>Understanding of and experience with third-party employers and non-employee workforces. </li>
<li>Ability to work in a high-pressure, fact-paced environment. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Preferred Qualifications: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Previous media/entertainment/television industry work experience. </li>
<li>Proficiency in HRIS systems (preferably Oracle) and other HR-related software would be a plus. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Other Key Attributes / Characteristics </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Comfortable working with employees across all job levels, including senior leadership. </li>
<li>Collaborative, communicative, and responsive. </li>
<li>Comfortable working with limited structure and resources. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Travel: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Approximately 10-20% as this individual may be required to conduct investigations in other locations including international. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Terms /Expected Hours of Work: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Full-time – Exempt</li>
</ul>
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