Director, Employee and Labor Relations

Title:
Director of Employee and Labor Relations

Department:
Human Resources

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
The Director of Employee and Labor Relations serves as a key member of the
Human Resources (HR) leadership team and is responsible for leading and
overseeing Employee & Labor Relations functions for approximately 2,200
employee and 8 collective bargaining units. The incumbent establishes and
maintains productive and positive relationships with union representatives and
oversees labor contract negotiations, grievance meetings, and interpretation of
union contracts and University policies. The Director also ensures that
management receives and understands training on collective bargaining agreement
language and labor and employee relations policies and procedures. Additional
responsibilities include working with other university compliance areas as
appropriate, such as General Counsel and Title IX. The Director will oversee
the employee relations function for the university, which includes dispute
resolution, investigations, and working with managers in creating positive and
inclusive working environments and resolving key performance problems. The
incumbent will monitor the implementation of university employment policies and
advise the university community on current and best practices in the areas of
Labor and Employee Relations. For the purposes of personnel management,
performance assessment, and span of control, the Director, Employee and Labor
Relations directly supervises two Labor Relations Partners.

Essential Functions:
- Leads the employee and labor relations function
within the Human Resources Division and acts as a primary university liaison
with union leaders.
- Responsible for the interpretation and application of laws, procedures,
policies, precedents, and collective bargaining agreement provisions across the
university. Ensures appropriate communications and training is provided for
employees and supervisors in the areas of campus policy, employee relations,
labor relations, collective bargaining issues, etc.
- Serves as the lead negotiator and directs the collective bargaining process
with labor unions while ensuring collaboration and buy-in by senior university
leaders and other key stakeholders.-
- Assesses and recommends appropriate human resource policies and processes, to
include Department, University, and University System policies and procedures
and provides guidance as to how legal and policy changes interact with
collective bargaining agreement language
- Ensures effective representation of the University at hearings and other
administrative processes involved with employee and labor relations matters,
unemployment, workers compensation and related matters.
- Oversees investigations and reports on complaints from employees to ensure
fair and equitable treatment; mediates disputes whenever possible, and follows
cases to conclusion. Advises managers on employee relation issues and the
progressive disciplinary process; resources for employees for conflict
resolutions and implementation of the grievance process; ensures that
grievances and other personnel matters are investigated and resolved
appropriately.
- Develops strong relationships with managers and line supervisors; serves as a
coach in managing difficult labor-related issues; works with colleagues to
identify and create innovative solutions to solve and prevent problems.
- Oversees day-to-day office activities involving employee relations and
complaints, sexual harassment claim investigations, FMLA, ADA
accommodations and resolution to other employee related issues. Serves as
a deputy Title IX officer.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

Prerequisite Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree with 7 years of related
experience.
- Strong creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively as
part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated commitment to and proficiency in
customer service culture. High levels of integrity and ability to navigate
incredibly complex and sensitive employment matters.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience in MS Office Suite, Google Suites and HRIS Systems.
- At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites
may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically
preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree.
- SHRM
or HRCI certification
-Higher Education Experience

Bargaining Unit:
Non-Aligned

Range/Band:
7

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time