POSITION EMPHASIS: The position supports the NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3.2 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing professional expertise in support of the legal services programs of NEA's Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Department.

POSITION SUMMARY: The primary responsibilities of this position involve preparing for and performing on-site audits and program evaluations of NEA state affiliate legal services programs, preparing written reports of audit findings, and following up on audit recommendations; responding to assigned state affiliates' programmatic, policy, and eligibility questions; assisting DuShane Legal Management System users with queries about features, reports, and system updates; handling member appeals and state affiliate applications for assistance in federal appellate cases; and providing expert advice for policy development and implementation. Other essential functions include: serving as the primary contact for the Association Professional Liability Program, which includes providing claims-data analyses as needed, assisting state affiliates with coverage disputes, maintaining the claims-tracking system, providing written coverage opinions to state affiliates and NEA staff, and assisting in contract negotiations and program auditing; and taking the lead on the legal services programs intranet/SharePoint development. This position is part of a team that focuses on member and association advocacy related to legal services and insurance protections. To carry out responsibilities, the employee uses a personal computer, a variety of NEA-endorsed software, and travels frequently.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act: The position involves analytical and problem-solving skills; use of clear and articulate speech; written/oral communication skills; interpersonal and customer service skills; moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs.); use of a computer keyboard; sitting/standing for long periods and ability to travel by various means, e.g., train, plane, automobile.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Master's degree in labor relations, business administration, political science, accounting, computer science, or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired, but including at a minimum, a bachelor's degree with advanced study in a related field such as law, labor relations, risk management, paralegal studies, or program evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Five years of progressively responsible experience in the areas of project management, program evaluation, policy analysis, research analysis, or involving key skills such as report and research-paper writing, risk management, working with a robust web-based online information management system, and developing and implementing programs and projects. Experience must include professional writing and making presentations. Experience must also include spreadsheet, database, and word processing skills; and exposure to business systems, financial program auditing, or risk management.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to occasionally work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Relevant writing sample will be required at time of interview. Frequent travel required (30-45 overnights a year).

SELECTION CRITERIA
TIER 1 (Essential): Knowledge of business systems and/or financial program auditing. Demonstrated ability to review and analyze a large volume of documents to determine compliance with established guidelines. Proven high-level skills in written and oral communications, research, and analysis. Proficiency in the use of computer applications for research and report writing, including use of spreadsheet, word processing, and database and related software for data analysis and presentation. Demonstrated skills for designing and maintaining MS SharePoint sites. Demonstrated high-level advocacy, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to consult with affiliate leaders, members, and NEA staff. Proven ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to handle multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions. Demonstrated experience working independently, collaboratively, and in a team environment. Proven effectiveness in strategic analysis and action planning, as well as proven record in developing and implementing strategies consistent with organizational objectives. Demonstrated conference/workshop planning skills. Demonstrated skill in developing and making presentations. Successful references. TIER 2: (Significant): Knowledge of legal services guidelines and compliance protocol. Experience using a robust, web-based, online information management system. Knowledge of insurance industry terminology. Skill in developing partnerships. Tier 3: (Desirable): Experience working in a large membership/advocacy organization. Knowledge of CB/MA programs and policies.

Preferred Method for Résumé Submission: Apply online at www.nea.org/jobs

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.