Associate Director Labor and Employee Relations

Reporting to the Executive Director Labor & Employee Relations, this position is a generalist in nature and will be responsible for a variety of managerial, technical and confidential responsibilities to support various aspects of human resources administration at the College, with a focus on providing guidance and support to the college’s leadership with regard to labor and employee relations, and on supporting the development of the college’s employees through training, policy development and communications regarding this area of focus.

• Identify legal requirements, contract requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensure that policies and procedures are in compliance with collective bargaining agreements and State and Federal law.
• Provide direction and advice to department managers on labor and personnel matters for classified and non-classified employees
• Interpret and advise staff, faculty and administration regarding contract provisions contained within the various bargaining unit agreements, college policies, personnel policies of the RI Board of Education, and the State Merit System Laws.
• Assist supervisors and employees with employee relations concerns. Advise management in appropriate resolution of employee relations issues. Investigate complaints, analyze issues and advise supervisors and employees on potential resolutions or next steps.
• May serve as hearing officer in formal grievances/ complaints involving employees under the terms of the union contracts, non-union personnel handbooks, or state and federal discrimination laws and recommend appropriate actions.
• Represents the human resources office on college wide efforts such as strategic planning, the development of goals and objectives, program assessment, etc.
• Maintains open communications and a strong working relationship with various departments within the State Division of Personnel Administration, State Controller’s Office and Information Processing, as well as all College departments to ensure the timely coordination of activities.
• As needed, design databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and reports that meet management information needs.
• Oversees position audits for purposes of determining proper job classification
• Represent the Human Resources Department at union Appeals Committee hearings.
• Assist in drafting new or refined college policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Work collaboratively with others and demonstrate a commitment to a welcoming, productive, collegial, diverse and inclusive environment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources Management or Labor Relations.
• At least five years of experience managing human resources in a unionized environment performing high-level professional and labor relations duties including but not limited to, handling grievances and participation in contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated success in mediating human relations issues and resolving conflict.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal employment regulations and laws.
• Proficiency in using MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Incumbent must be a self-starter, comfortable working in a busy, and time-deadline oriented office.
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to plan, organize and manage projects.
• Must be able to independently analyze and present data and information.
• Must be customer service focused with a helpful and positive attitude