What are the responsibilities and job description for the Labor Relations Specialist position at Syracuse University?
Job #
041799
Department Code
00000
Department
Office of Human Resources
Job Title
Labor Relations Specialist
Location
Syracuse, New York
Pay Range
$60,450 - $65,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S4
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type
Full-time
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
The Labor Relations Specialist is an individual experienced in working in a unionized environment, possessing excellent communication and organizational skills, is deadline driven and committed to both supporting leadership, and to the development and elevation of our unionized employee population.
The Specialist will be responsible for supporting the mission to promote a positive and effective system-wide, interest-based labor relations program. For this reason, the Specialist must be adept at building positive relationship with colleagues, union staff and external labor counterparts.
The Specialist will address daily issues involving union staff as they arise, referencing collective bargaining agreements, university and department policies and the relevant employment and labor regulations. The Labor Relations Specialist must be able to simultaneously and effectively, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively with Union counterparts, supervisors, and managers. The Specialist will also provide guidance and support to managers and supervisors on matters typical throughout the employment life cycle, such as performance management, discipline, conducting confidential investigations.
The Specialist will address grievances, conduct confidential workplace investigations. maintain copious records and generate reports as required contractually. The Specialist will also collaborate with and support University partners responsible for administration of statutory leaves, reasonable accommodation, Worker’s compensation, and other related duties.
The Specialist will also assist in administering training for managers and supervisors.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Industrial Labor Relations or related field. 4-6 years’ experience in HR, or labor and/or employee relations, or related work.
- Candidates who’s educational and work experience, though different from that referenced above, may, within the employer’s sole discretion, be deemed to have experience equivalent to or surpassing the minimum eligibility criteria, and therefore eligible for consideration for this role.
Skills and Knowledge
- Human Resources and/or labor relations experience, or legal experience in labor and/or employment law. Experience working in labor relations and/or employee relations in an academic setting is desirable.
- Knowledge of key employment and labor laws (e.g. FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, NYHRL, NY Labor Law, ADA, NY PFL, PSL, EEO Regs, etc.)
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively; committed to providing excellent service to all stakeholders.
- Willing and able to be proactive and take initiative.
- Adept at finding creative solutions to challenging issues; skilled at conflict resolution.
- Must be detail-oriented, adept at multi-tasking, able to prioritize. effectively, and work efficiently in a deadline driven environment.
- Ability to work independently and also function as part of a team.
- Exceptional writing, critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Confidential; able and committed to maintaining sensitive and/or critical information.
- Ability to conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare detailed, grammatically correct, well-written investigation reports.
- Proficiency in using PowerPoint; Microsoft Office Products, and particularly Outlook, Word, Teams, Sharepoint, and Excel.
- Able to utilize video conferencing technology e.g. Zoom and Teams.
- Able to run data queries.
Responsibilities
- As a subject matter expert, ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of all the CBAs of the university’s unions. Build effective relationships with university management, union representatives and also union employees. In consultation with labor relations leadership, advise front-line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits and compensation, and discipline for union employees. Investigate and respond to grievances. Participate in employee orientation for new bargaining unit employees; disseminate critical information to union staff including critical policies and processes. Elevate critical departmental issues to labor relations leadership.
- Assist with union recruitment and staffing functions including review, approve, and post union jobs and certify candidate outcomes for union positions. Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives.
- Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints. Refer employee relations issues involving supervisory staff to Labor Relations Leadership and/or the appropriate Sr. HR Business partner. Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations. Review and respond to union requests pursuant to union contracts e.g. professional development funding requests, retirement payouts, etc. Review, approve and track union release time.
- Work closely with the Offices of Equal Opportunity, Risk Management, and the University Leave Administrator to administer and monitor leaves including PFL, Worker’s Comp, Disability etc., and implement reasonable
- accommodations worked out with Disability Specialist. Work with the HR Shared Services Center to respond to unemployment insurance claims.
- Ensure and maintain critical communication with affected supervisors and managers. Upon request from Office of University Counsel and/or outside counsel, provide documentation in response to external complaints filed with the NYS Division of Human Rights, EEOC, NLRB, or in civil courts, as well as unemployment hearings.
Physical Requirements
NA
Tools/Equipment
NA
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Salary : $60,450 - $65,000
