Staff Attorney

Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) is seeking qualified candidates for a Staff Attorney position.

Position Description: KNEA provides legal services to local affiliates and members in school districts across Kansas. The attorneys in the KNEA Legal Services Department represent hundreds of members each school year in various employment-related matters. These include contract negotiations and enforcement; prohibited practice complaints and labor actions before the Kansas Department of Labor; licensure; KPERS disability and retirement; disciplinary issues, such as suspension and dismissal; unemployment; and legislative and policy matters affecting Kansas education. The position is based at KNEA Headquarters in Topeka, Kansas.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active Kansas law license
• Exceptional research, writing, oral advocacy, analytical, communication, and client-management skills
• Litigation experience in state and federal courts at the district and/or appellate levels, with state administrative agencies (Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas State Board of Education), or arbitration forums, preferred
• Knowledge and expertise in labor, administrative, employment, and education law, preferred
• Knowledge and experience in criminal law, desired
• Ability to build trusting relationships with KNEA staff, leaders, members, and the public

Position Responsibilities:

• Commitment to KNEA’s mission to provide and promote quality public schools, strengthen the teaching profession, and provide for the well-being of its members
• Represent KNEA, its affiliates, and members in Kansas courts, state legislative proceedings, administrative agencies, arbitration forums, and due process hearings
• Provide legal review, advice and counsel, and written opinions to staff and members regarding pertinent legal issues and legislative activity
• Develop and present training and materials on issues affecting staff and members
• Serve as staff liaison for KNEA commissions and committees
• Some travel required for client advocacy, training, and continued education
• Other duties as assigned by KNEA General Counsel

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $80,000-$125,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including employer-provided health and dental insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; outstanding employer contributions to defined contribution retirement plan; and generous vacation, sick, and holiday leaves.

About KNEA: KNEA’s mission is to advocate for education professionals and unite our members, Kansans, and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. Our members include pre-K-12 classroom teachers, higher education employees, support professionals, college students, and retired educators.

How to Apply: Qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to: Sarah Meyer, Executive Assistant - sarah.meyer@knea.org. Applications must be received by April 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

KNEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who strengthen and expand our perspectives and experiences.