Labor and Employee Relations Partner

Job Description

Under the guidance and direction of the Associate Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the Labor and Employee Relations Partner is responsible for advising on all aspects of labor and employee relations for the College. The focus of this role is to foster, develop and maintain employee and labor management relationships within the college.

In partnership with the Associate Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the Director of Human Resources, and the Office of General Counsel, the Employee and Labor Relations Partner will assist in managing all aspects of employee and labor relations with the College's bargaining units, including preparations for contract negotiations, point of contact on employee investigations, assist at grievance hearings, disciplinary issues, manage labor and employee logs, point of contact for all unemployment claims and invoices, and collaboration with other departments in the college on investigations (such as Title IX office). The Labor and Employee Relations Partner will assist and collaborate with the Human Resources Partners working to collaborate on matters related to employee and labor relations issues.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage, coordinate and assist in developing and maintaining appropriate labor and employee relations to support the college employees, department and interests of the college.
• Partners with the Human Resources Partners to provide guidance and recommendations for departments, managers and employees on the resolution of issues and ensures the consistent, uniform and fair application of policies and procedures and CBA obligations.
• Works closely with Huma Resources Partners and managers to provide advice to managers on employee relations, performance management issues, performance improvement plans (PIPs), etc...
• Maintains and provides support to the Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations, on all labor-management relations with all bargaining units through a variety of techniques including intake, investigatory meetings, labor management meetings, etc...
• Conduct and manage employee concerns in a timely and thorough manner, including but not limited to any inquiries, investigations, coordinate interviews, collect evidence, conduct research, contact union representatives, witnesses, complainants, respondents, etc.... Ensures compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and College policies regarding investigatory, disciplinary and grievance procedures for employees. Provide detailed analysis, summary of findings, and recommendations.
• Collaborates with the Office of Nondiscrimination and Title IX on investigations, inquiries, and training.
• Point of contact for Unemployment cases, inquiries, hearings, etc... and provide any/all documentation to defend the college's position on UI requests.
• Establish and maintain strong, positive relationships with union representatives and department managers overseeing staff under a CBA in order to cooperatively and proactively resolve conflicts.
• Assist in preparation of materials for mediation, arbitration, third party investigations (EEO, DHS) in partnership Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations, Director of Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel or outside counsel.
• Participate in communication, delivery and execution of reduction of force, lay off, furloughs, re-designs and re-organizations of departments and college services and the impact to employees.
• Support colleagues to conduct training for on collective bargaining agreements and labor management, managing in a unionized environment, progressive discipline and other relevant employee and labor relation topics.
• Manage and update confidential Employee and Labor Relations log and ensure all confidential case files and documents are maintained, up to date and accessible.
• Assist in the negotiations of the College's collective bargaining agreements with 5 bargaining units.
• Participate in review of job descriptions for positions within bargaining units.
• In absence of the Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations, provide support to clients as needed.
• Prepares and presents required and special reports related to employee and labor relations.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and critical thinking skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and administer a broad range of tasks including resolving complaints, coaching and counseling managers and associates on policies and procedures.
• Ability to make recommendations regarding resolution of employee related problems or issues, by using sound judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation or government law.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate and conduct training sessions in a manner understandable to a wide variety of constituencies
• Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, and difficult issues
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR best practices, particularly in the functional areas of retention, investigations, training, professional development and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse employee populations.
• Strong organizational skills; evidence of self-motivation; demonstrated ability to plan, schedule and work both independently and in teams.
• Ability to set priorities and to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion in contacts with management and team members.
• Excellent computing skills, including experience with a comprehensive HRIS system (Workday experience preferred) as well as the Microsoft Office suite of products

Education/Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum three to five years of progressive Human Resources experience; must have experience in labor relations and employee relations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field
• Experience in higher education preferred
• Professional training certification, such as SHRM preferred

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

Hours: 35 Hours a Week - Hybrid - 3 days in office, 2 days remote, subject to change due to operational needs.