Manager, Employee & Labor Relations

Pay Grade: 32E

Context of the Job:

Under the limited direction of the Senior Director, Employee and Labor Relations, the Employee and Labor Relations Manager, is responsible for managing day-to-day employee and labor relations functions. Primary responsibilities include providing guidance concerning performance management, policies and procedures, discipline, grievances and contract interpretation issues; managing and conducting internal investigations; maintaining and overseeing the case tracking database; developing and delivering training programs; participating in select collective bargaining negotiations.

Major Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Senior Director, assists with the planning, execution, and evaluation of employee and labor relations functions.
• Serves as lead contact for problem resolution and facilitation in the areas of employee and labor relations, including but not limited to, performance management, employee discipline, interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements; advises both employees and management regarding policies and procedures; researches, identifies, and analyzes specific employee and labor relations concerns and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Reviews and assists with drafting written disciplinary actions.
• Conducts research on labor relations issues and serves on bargaining team for select negotiations.
• Participates in benchmarking and drafting of HR policies.
• Oversees the case management database to organize, manage, and track inquiries and requests. Provides periodic, timely updates regarding the status of complaints received and investigations in progress.
• Conducts workplace investigations and uses conflict resolution techniques to resolve workplace problems. Acts as a neutral party through all aspects of the investigation and ensures a prompt, fair, and neutral process for all parties. Prepares investigatory reports detailingmatters clearly and concisely, along with suggestions for corrective actions.
• Administers the formal grievance procedure for non-union staff and serves as the third step hearing officer for grievances from union staff.
• Creates reports and conducts internal audits as they pertain to the Office of Employee and Labor Relations’ data and processes.
• Represents the University at select unemployment insurance claim appeal hearings.
• Prepares managers for testimony at hearings and selects documents that will be submitted to Hearing Officer and Appeals Board for admission into evidence.
• Identifies training needs. Assists in development and delivery of employee and labor relations training programs.
• Represents the University in grievances brought by non-union employees and serves as hearing officer for grievances from union employees.
• Conducts research on applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides advice regarding performance management/disciplinary procedures, personnel policies, and labor agreements.
• Acts for the Senior Director, Employee and Labor Relations as designated.
• Performs job-related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and six years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in a Human Resources related field preferred.
• Professional Certification in Human Resources preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of employee and labor relations; grievance/conflict resolution; and mediation/ alternative dispute resolution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of applicable employment laws, regulations and best practices.
• Experience in negotiating & administering collective bargaining agreements, preferably with a public-sector employer, preferred. Experience in conducting investigations.
• Experience in advising managers and employees concerning the FMLA, ADA, and the FLSA.
• Excellent consultative, negotiation, conflict resolution and analytical skills.
• Builds and maintains relationships, fostering a positive work environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interpret legal provisions, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and present training programs and materials.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Power Point, Excel, Word, Access, etc.).
• Experience in a higher education environment preferred but not required.