Sr. Director, Employee & Labor Relations

PAY GRADE: 35E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Sr. Director for Employee and Labor Relations reports to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and is a member of the Human Resources leadership team assisting in overall strategic HR planning and delivery of services. Serves as the University chief labor strategist and negotiator for all collective bargaining agreements. This position ensures a culture of respect and civility through communication and programming.

Partners with senior management and the Human Resources leadership team to identify institutional needs, workforce trends, and best practices. Proposes strategic direction and solutions to address extant and emerging workplace issues. Provides guidance to the employee relations team to address employee relations issues and interpretation of relevant policies, laws, and regulations. Provides direct 'hands-on' consultation and advice to staff and supervisors on University policies, procedures, and programs and resolution of workplace issues and concerns.

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the employee and labor relations team. Partners with campus leadership and HR leaders to develop and execute consistent university-wide, short- and long-term strategic initiatives and methods to ensure positive and effective staff relations, productivity, and retention of employees.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the employee and labor relations team to ensure effective service delivery and partnership with managers and staff. Responsible for all aspects of employee and labor relations to ensure compliance with university procedures and federal and state regulations.
• Advises management and employees on personnel policies and procedures. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures. Partners with senior management to develop labor negotiation strategies and plans.
• Consults with senior leadership and management on bargaining priorities in advance of negotiations. Develops bargaining strategies, assembles and trains bargaining teams and support teams. Ensures collective bargaining agreements are negotiated in accordance with the institution's mission and goals.
• Fosters proactive and collegial relationships with bargaining representatives and union leaders. Establishes regular Meet and Discuss engagements in an effort to address issues early.
• Consults and engages with outside labor counsel as needed.
• Develops and manages effective employee relations programs to foster positive employee relations. Communicates regularly with supervisors, managers, and other representatives to promote Human Resources services and to provide education and training on policies and legal compliance.
• Consults with and advises managers and staff to assist them in resolving workplace concerns and interpreting HR policies – acts as a facilitator, negotiator, consultant, influencer and mediator.
• Represents University in arbitration proceedings as well as union organizational campaigns/activities. Serves as grievance hearing officer. Handles grievances (union and non-union) and other employee complaints relating to working conditions and bargainable items.
• Represents the University in proceedings before the Industrial Accident Board, the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board, and other administrative bodies.
• Collaborates with multiple offices to ensure coordinated service delivery such as the Office of General Counsel, Office of the Provost, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, UDPD, Audit and Compliance.
• Advises management on appropriate use of disciplinary action and review of terminations of employment.
• Develops and oversees department budget.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with eight years of human resources management experience. J.D. preferred.
• Prior experience in Interest Based Bargaining or similar bargaining approaches preferred.
• Significant experience with administration and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, grievances, mediation and arbitration.
• Proven advanced knowledge of human resources, employment law, employee and labor relations, regulatory compliance, arbitration, facilitation, and collective bargaining.
• Experience in administering workers and unemployment compensation.
• Effective leadership skills and short- and long-term strategic planning ability. Commitment to, and experience with promoting and enhancing diversity and equity. Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships that will maximize organizational effectiveness.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, consultative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to effectively summarize and present information to a variety of audiences.
• Skill in program planning and assessing needs and trends, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures at an institute of higher education.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to interact with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively and maintain relationships with managers and senior leadership.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.