Virginia Education Association

Program Assistant
Legal

Based in Richmond, VA

 

Date of Posting: May 15, 2025
Deadline for Applying: Open Until Filled
Reports to: VEA Legal Director

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia, advocating for education professionals and advancing public education. As a National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, we represent thousands of teachers, support staff, and school employees across the Commonwealth. Our mission is twofold: ensuring all students receive quality public education while supporting our members' rights, working conditions, and professional growth.

Position Description:
The Program Assistant for Legal often serves as the initial contact for members seeking to connect with the Office of Legal Advocacy. This position also directly supports VEA’s attorney(s) in advancing and protecting members’ employment and labor rights. The work of the Program Assistant Legal includes performing independent and semi-independent work on assigned projects, managing case files, billing and accounting functions, and additional administrative support duties. The Program Assistant Legal also serves as Secretary to the VEA Professional Rights & Responsibilities Commission and the Resolutions Committee.

This position requires occasional evening and weekend work and travel within Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent related education and work experience is required.
• Experience providing high-level administrative support, preferably in a legal or professional office setting.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, ability to prioritize workload, and attention to detail for proofreading, billing, auditing, and accounting functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and master new software and electronic systems.
• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation.
• Experience in labor relations, pre-law/political science, and union experience/knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of VEA governance, structure, and education issues preferred.
• Strong advocate for racial and social justice.

Core Job Functions:

• Communicates with VEA members experiencing difficulties in their workplace and connects members with appropriate legal counsel or other VEA staff resources.
• Communicate with attorneys and VEA UniServ Directors regarding assigned member rights matters.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, monitors, and closes case files.
• Assist staff attorneys with preparing materials for hearings.
• Develops and maintains records and reports regarding billable hours for staff and outside attorneys.
• Maintains the Office of Legal Advocacy’s electronic case filing system, including invoicing, billing, auditing, and accounting data.
• Supports the VEA Legal Director in their duties to the VEA Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and the organization.
• Serves as Secretary for VEA’s Professional Rights & Responsibilities Commission which requires attending Commission meetings, preparing meeting minutes, processing member or local affiliate ethics charges filed with the Commission, and communicating with Commissioners.
• Provides administrative support to other standing or ad hoc VEA member committees requiring assistance from the Office of Legal Advocacy, as needed.
• Maintains list of participants in the Attorney Referral Program.
• Able to apply a racial and social justice lens in the work.
• Answers telephone calls coming in via the main switchboard as scheduled.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by VEA General Counsel.

Salary and Fringe Benefits:
This is a Category 2 position covered by the Virginia Associate Staff Organization (VASO) staff union contract with a salary up to $52,000. Starting salary is negotiable within this range, depending upon experience. VEA offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 95% paid medical insurance, 100% paid dental and vision coverage
• Paid leave and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Build your retirement security with VEA’s comprehensive retirement package which includes:
  • Defined benefits pension plan that provides guaranteed retirement income based on your salary and years of service
  • Generous 5% employer contribution to 401(k) regardless of employee contribution – no matching required!

Application Procedure
Please apply by going to the website, www.veanea.org and click on the VEA Careers under About section on the homepage.

VEA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.