"Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist"

Job Description Summary

The Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) provides the expertise, business process, policies and standards required to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain and renew the physical assets of the University, excluding the health system. In addition, the Division, comprised of approximately five Departments, is responsible for the strategic planning, management and operation of non-academic University property, and collaborating with the neighborhood to create a safe, diverse and economically vibrant destination. With close to 12M square feet of space, FRES maintains 186 buildings on a campus of 276 acres, completes over 60,000 maintenance requests per year, and starts approximately 250 projects a year. FRES is comprised of the following Departments: Administration, Office of the University Architect, Design and Construction, Real Estate, Operations and Maintenance.

The University of Pennsylvania is implementing a campus transformation entitled Penn Connects (http://www.pennconnects.upenn.edu). This comprehensive, award winning effort is expanding the campus over the next 20 years, including the construction of new academic research and recreational facilities. In addition, the University has secured $300M in Century Bond funding and continues to upgrade existing facilities over the coming years. https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/ Information.

Job Description

Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist

The University of Pennsylvania's Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to serve as the Senior Staff and Labor Relation Representative. Reporting to the FRES Director of Human Resources, with a dotted line to Core Human Resources Executive Director for Staff and Labor Relations, this role will be responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with Housekeeping/Hard Surfaces/CDL (Local Union 115) (approximately 575 FTEs) and Trades (Local Union 835) (approximately 230 FTEs) represented by two different unions within the University's diverse workforce. This role encompasses both strategic and operational responsibilities, with a focus on promoting effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative labor-management initiatives. In addition to labor relations, this role will encompass responsibilities related to the training and development of management that supervise staff represented by unions on topics and programs that impact labor relations.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with Core Human Resources (HR) and the FRES Director of HR, develop and implement comprehensive labor relations strategies in alignment with the university's mission and values.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for labor union representatives, cultivating relationships built on trust, respect, and open communication.
• In collaboration with Core HR develop and execute negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements with trade union labor and housekeeping union labor.
• Provide guidance and expertise on labor law, regulations, and compliance matters, ensuring the university's practices are consistent with applicable laws.
• Lead efforts to prevent, manage, and resolve labor disputes, grievances, and conflicts in a fair and constructive manner. Oversee the administration of labor contracts, including monitoring contract compliance, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes.
• Advise and oversee labor relations matters in collaboration with other University departments, including contract interpretation, disciplinary actions, and workforce management, ensuring equitable and consistent treatment. Provides guidance and expertise on labor law, regulations, and compliance matters, ensuring the University's practices are consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• In collaboration with the FRES Director of HR, develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for union staff, supervisors, and managers on matters related to labor relations.
• Design and implement training initiatives to enhance the skills, safety, and knowledge of union staff, fostering continuous learning and growth.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to track and assess the effectiveness of training programs provided to union staff.
• Represent FRES interests with Office of Risk Management and Worker's Compensation, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety, Fire and Emergency Services, and others to ensure adherence to all relevant policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, new employee training, routine/annual mandatory training covering workplace safety.
• Stay updated on industry trends, labor market developments, and best practices in training and labor relations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to labor relations activities, training programs, and negotiations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for university leadership regarding labor relations activities, challenges, and accomplishments.
• Conduct recurring monthly management meetings with union leadership.
• Coordinate protocols to monitor and track employees who are out of the workplace due to STD/WC/FMLA/LTD with Operating Director's, FRES support staff, and other University departments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Arts or Bachelors of Science and 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible and varied experience in the Human Resources/Labor Relations field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Demonstrated experience in labor relations, with a demonstrated track record of successful negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and practices, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
• Demonstrated experience working within a unionized environment, preferably in an academic or large institutional setting.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage relationships at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, drive results, and navigate complex and sensitive labor situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in using HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) and other relevant software applications.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Facilities and Real Estate Services

Pay Range

$76,000.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.