(MN) Job openings: Attorney/Business Agent and Communications Professional

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?article_1_137

5 June 2013

MINNEAPOLIS - Teamsters Local 320 is seeking an Attorney/Business Agent and AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 is seeking a Communications Professional.
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 320

ATTORNEY/BUSINESS AGENT

Teamsters Local 320 is a state-wide local which represents only public employees. We have approximately 9,000 members ranging from school employees to law enforcement to county attorneys.

Direct Supervisor: General Counsel

The Attorney/Business Agent will divide his/her time equally between the duties described in this job description and those described in the Business Agent job description (see below).

Duties of the Attorney include, but are not limited to, the following:

• prepare and present grievance and interest arbitrations as assigned by the General Counsel
• certifying issues to interest arbitration
• preparing final positions for interest arbitration
• analyzing data and formulating arguments for interest arbitration
• creating exhibits for interest arbitration
• research as needed for interest arbitration
• writing and submitting briefs for interest arbitration
• striking arbitrators for both interest and grievance arbitration
• coordinating the scheduling of arbitration hearings
• research as needed for grievance arbitration
• obtaining and/or creating exhibits for grievance arbitration
• analyzing facts and preparing arguments for grievance arbitration
• preparing (both direct and cross) witness testimony for interest and grievance arbitration
• holding preparation meetings with business agents and members in advance of interest and grievance arbitration
• negotiating tentative settlements in interest and grievance arbitration
• writing and submitting briefs for grievance arbitration
• research and prepare research memoranda as assigned by the General Counsel
• assist the General Counsel in the preparation of instructional materials for workshops and trainings
• other duties as assigned by the General Counsel and/or Secretary-Treasurer

The Attorney/Business Agent is responsible for the timeliness of all submissions related to the cases she is assigned.

The Attorney/Business agent does not advise the Executive Board.

Job Description and Essential Functions: Business Agent

Primary responsibilities include grievance handling, contract administration, conducting and attending membership meetings, preparing and presenting contract proposals, negotiating contracts, and day to day handling of member=s questions and problems. Business agents typically receive many daily contacts with the membership, either by phone, email, or letter. Responding to these contacts in a timely manner (usually within 24 hours) and following up on issues are priorities. In addition, a business agent is responsible for the negotiation of multiple collective bargaining agreements at a time, and for processing multiple grievances and resolving issues on behalf of the membership.

Individuals in this position must possess the following characteristics:

• Be self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks and exercise discretion.
• Have strong communication and organizational skills.
• Have a willingness to work long hours and travel as needed.
• Be able to consistently meet deadlines.
• Must be able to attend to details, often juggling many tasks at once.
• Must be able to respond immediately to requests of members, and follow up on issues or concerns in a timely manner.
• The ability to skillfully deal with difficult situations and individuals without offending or embarrassing others.

Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License and must own an American- or Canadian-made automobile and be able to drive distances that may require several hours behind the wheel.

Applicants can submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample be email to [e-mail] or by mail to:

Paula Johnston
General Counsel
Teamsters Local #320
3001 University Ave SE, Suite 500
Minneapolis, MN 55414


AFSCME MINNESOTA COUNCIL 5
COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL

PURPOSE:
This position exists to strengthen AFSCME Council 5’s online presence and use of social media and advocacy software. The Communications Professional will work closely with the Communications Team to build a bold, proud image of AFSCME Council 5, a union of 43,000 members who advocate for excellence in public services, dignity in the workplace, and opportunity and prosperity for all workers.

REPORTABILITY: This position reports to the Director of Public Affairs and Public Policy.

DUTIES:
• Maintain Council 5’s website (www.afscmemn.org)
• Strengthen our use of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and new technology
• Train local union leaders to use social media as a communications tool
• Write Action Alerts to mobilize union members and set up advocacy software to track results
• Print, mail, post and email bi-weekly newsletter
• Maintain media distribution lists
• Maintain a members-only portal on UnionWare
• Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned

SKILLS:
• Experience designing and maintaining websites; knowledge of Drupal software is a plus
• Knowledge of best practices for using social media as an organizing tool
• Knowledge of Salsa or other advocacy software
• Proficient with graphic design software
• Ability to write and speak persuasively
• Ability to work as part of a communications team
• Ability to manage time, prioritize projects and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, identify and solve problems

REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework preferably in communications, labor relations, political science, or liberal arts and/or 3-5 years experience in labor, political or community organizing and campaign communications. Candidates must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and drive an automobile. Some travel, extended hours, and weekend work are required.

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary set by a collective bargaining agreement with the staff union. Includes excellent health, dental and retirement benefits.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to Michelle Stein at
• AFSCME Council 5, 300 Hardman Ave. S., South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 17, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. START DATE: August 15, 2013.

AFSCME Council 5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.