Employee and Benefits Counsel

Odds are that the email you read this morning traveled over Corning Optical Fiber; the smartphone you used had a Corning cover lens; and the vehicle you took to work had cleaner emissions because of a Corning catalytic substrate.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people’s lives.
Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges.
Scope of Position:  Advises and represents the Corporation and its subsidiaries in a broad range of labor, employment, and compensation & benefits matters.
Day to Day Responsibilities:

Counsels on a broad range of labor and employment matters for a global Fortune 500 employer. Direct responsibility for matters within the US, indirect/oversight responsibility for matters outside the US.
Counsels on matters pertaining to both union and non-unionized workforce
Provides responsive and timely legal advice to internal clients, including senior management, human resources and labor relations professionals, on broad range of labor and employment law issues, including discipline, duty to bargain, ADA, FMLA, absence/leave laws, wage & hour regulations, etc.
Partners with the Litigation Center of Excellence on administrative matters and hearings before federal and state agencies.
Partners with the Litigation Center of Excellence team in federal and state court cases, including litigation strategy, court appearances, depositions, and motion practice.
Works strategically with senior business and HR partners to provide advice and support on discipline & termination decisions, HR initiatives, internal investigations, complaint resolution and corporate policies.
Provides training to HR staff and general employees on a variety of topics, including non-discrimination/EEO practices, harassment, Code of Conduct, etc.
Provides counsel to Compensation & Benefits Center of Excellence on a broad range of compensation and benefits matters relating to ERISA, qualified pension and 401k plans, executive compensation, nonqualified deferred compensation, plan design, health and welfare plans, mergers and acquisitions and fiduciary responsibility.
Provides regular training to fiduciaries and benefits staff on a variety of topics, including fiduciary responsibilities and legislative and regulatory updates
Maintains awareness of legal developments in relevant jurisdictions, provides updates internally, and works to implement necessary changes to policies/practices.
Evaluates both legal and business risks of legally acceptable alternatives and implements solutions.
Reports directly to the Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer

Travel Requirements: Some travel is required (domestic & international), and the amount may vary month-to-month but is unlikely to exceed 15% on an annual basis
Qualifications:

7-10 years of legal experience representing employers in employment law matters (including employment litigation) and employee compensation and benefits
JD from an accredited law school
Tax LLM a plus
Member in good standing of at least one State Bar

Required Skills:

Experience handling labor and employment matters, including client counseling, policy creation & administration, internal investigations, and responding to various claims and charges
Familiarity with federal and state employment law
Ability to handle significant matters with limited supervision or direction
Solid leadership and negotiating skills
Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills
Ability to assess and quantify risk
Creative problem-solving
Effective leadership, organization, and planning skills, with ability to handle changing priorities
Demonstrated track record of on time delivery within budget; ability to drive projects to successful conclusion
Must be a self-starter, ability to work in a collaborative team environment and ability to motivate others
Ability to ascertain trends and significant issues from data
Strong attention to detail
Experience in building consensus
Experience with affirmative action work, including OFCCP audits

Desired Skills:

Experience representing New York employers
Broad experience with complex benefits issues in large fortune 500 Corporation is a plus

What sets us apart?  Corning’s unwavered commitment to Diversity.  Diversity is integral to Corning’s belief in the fundamental dignity of the individual – one of Corning’s seven Values.  We are committed to providing an environment where all employees can thrive.  This begins with an understanding that our global workforce consists of a rich mixture of diverse people.  This diversity will continue to be a source of our strength as well as a competitive advantage.
If you have a passionate belief in the power of innovation to change the world; and if you are up to the challenge of working for a world-class organization that makes real, profitable advanced materials, then visit Corning’s website at www.corning.com