Employee and Labor Relations Manager

About The MA Executive Office of Technology Services and Security:

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is the lead enterprise technology organization for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Charged with driving the ongoing alignment of business and technology across the Commonwealth’s Executive Branch, EOTSS oversees and manages the enterprise technology, digital infrastructure and services, as well as the Commonwealth Security Operations Center and an enterprise Standard Operating Environment that includes an information security and risk management framework for over 125 state agencies and over 43,000 state employees. We directly serve our constituents by providing digital services and tools that enable taxpayers, drivers, businesses, visitors, families and other citizens to do business with the Commonwealth in a way that makes every interaction with government easier, faster, and more secure.

Our Mission: We provide technology leadership across the Commonwealth to enhance the quality of public service and foster positive community outcomes.

About the Role:

EOTSS is seeking an experienced HR professional to collaborate with our managers and employees to provide direct strategic support in the areas of employee and labor relations, cultivating an effective, engaged and inclusive workforce.

The Employee and Labor Relations Manager will provide advice and guidance to employees and managers on a wide range of HR matters. The Manager will coach and counsel employees and managers regarding employee relations matters, interface with union representatives in furtherance of collective bargaining obligations and to foster productive labor relations, collaborate with the HRD Centers of Expertise (COE) t, conduct investigations, guide conflict resolution, and engage in employee performance management and development.

The primary work location for this role will be at One Ashburton Place Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM EST. This position is expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed.

All offers of employment into this position are conditional and subject to passing: a Massachusetts Criminal Background Check (CORI); a security clearance (fingerprinting) consistent with IRS and/or public safety requirements; and security training.

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead employee relations and labor relations efforts on behalf of the Secretariat. Act as primary liaison with Union representatives.
• Advise Director of HR and Deputy Director of HR on collective bargaining issues, represent EOTSS on bargaining proposal efforts and other labor matters.
• Advise employees and managers on workplace matters, advise on conflict resolution.
• Provide support (coaching, counseling, education) to managers on employee relations and contractual obligations.
• Educate and inform managers and employees on employment laws and workplace policies.
• Review and make recommendations for the organization’s HR policies and procedures.
• Communicate updates and ensure compliance.
• Conduct workplace investigations and make recommendations on remedial measures.
• Develop information necessary for litigation, grievances and other related matters; write briefs or other hearing related material.
• Advise and counsel managers on HR best practices within performance management.
• Partner with the Workforce Engagement Manager to analyze employee feedback and data, with the aim of creating an engaged and inclusive environment.
• Coordinate communication sessions with managers and staff on a variety of topics.
• Lead and proactively contribute to HR workforce initiatives, including workforce planning, performance management and staff development.
• Participate in the management of the organization’s leaves of absence program.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum 5 years’ demonstrated experience in a variety of human resource disciplines, including policy development and compliance, employee relations, diversity, performance management, and federal and state respective employment laws.
• Proven 5 years of practical experience in labor-management relations within a union environment.
• Strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, objective setting, and measurement skills.
• Experience in coaching, delivering constructive feedback, inspiring and developing staff.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of program data, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to persuade, influence and gain consensus of others.
• Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations and be flexible to meet changing priorities.
• Must maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• HR professional certification(s) preferred.