Director for Labor Relations

The Director for Labor Relations is essential to Columbia Basin College’s vision of transforming lives through economic and social mobility. This role ensures a stable and collaborative labor environment, enabling the College to attract, retain, and support talented faculty and staff. By aligning labor relations strategies with institutional priorities and fostering a culture of respect and equity, the Director helps maintain the organizational excellence needed to inspire, educate, and support CBC students in achieving their goals.

This position reports to the Vice President for Human Resources & Legal Affairs.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with union leaders to promote a cooperative and respectful labor relations environment;
• Develop, review, and enforce labor relations policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements;
• Partner with leadership and departments to ensure labor relations practices are consistent, equitable, and aligned with institutional priorities;
• Educate College leadership and staff on labor relations best practices, collective bargaining processes, and conflict resolution strategies to build organizational capacity;
• Collaborate with HR leadership to create and implement strategic labor relations initiatives that support the College’s mission and objectives;
• Support collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring agreements align with institutional goals and foster collaborative outcomes;
• Address grievances and labor-related concerns, collaborating with union representatives and stakeholders to achieve effective and fair resolutions;
• Conduct impartial investigations into workplace issues, ensuring adherence to due process and compliance with institutional policies;
• Maintain accurate documentation and manage records related to collective bargaining, grievances, investigations, and labor-management communications;
• Organize and lead labor-management meetings to address concerns, strengthen relationships, and foster ongoing dialogue; and
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or other relevant field that involved reading, interpreting, and explaining labor contracts; and
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining processes. 

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities for this position. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in labor relations, including direct involvement in collective bargaining; and
• Experience in higher education and/or public sector labor relations.

Yes, And/Teamwork: Foster collaboration and inclusivity by embracing diverse perspectives and promoting constructive problem-solving with union representatives and leadership;

Support for DEI: Advocate for equitable and inclusive labor relations practices that ensure fairness in negotiations and workplace policies;

Leadership: Guide labor relations strategies with confidence, building trust and modeling professionalism in all interactions;

Strategic Thinking: Align labor relations initiatives with long-term institutional goals, adapting to evolving challenges effectively;

Communication Skills: Clearly and persuasively articulate labor relations strategies and processes to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and alignment;

Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes and facilitate constructive dialogue to maintain productive relationships and minimize workplace disruptions;

Problem-Solving Skills: Address labor disputes and grievances promptly with creative, strategic, and equitable solutions; and

Analytical Skills: Evaluate complex labor data, contracts, and grievances to develop informed, effective solutions.

This is a full-time, overtime exempt, administrative staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands (this will include evening and weekend work as required).

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

Salary : $85,254 - $94,238