Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Reporting to the Employee & Labor Relations Manager, the Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist is a demonstrated subject matter expert in complex employee and labor relations matters and responsible for leading investigations, writing investigative reports, advising on performance management and workplace concerns, interpreting and drafting policy and contract language, and providing guidance on corrective actions, separations, and grievances. The Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist serves as a trusted partner to university leadership, faculty, and staff and is critical in fostering a fair, consistent, and legally compliant workplace. The role provides advice, counsel, and training to Human Resources representatives, managers, employees, and other members of the Stanford community.
The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, and collective bargaining agreements, exercises sound judgment, maintains strict confidentiality, and applies strong analytical and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and concerns in alignment with the university’s mission and values. As part of our dynamic and collaborative Employee & Labor Relations team, the role will ensure the university remains an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment for all employees.
This position is currently hybrid, on-site minimum two days per week, at Stanford’s Redwood City campus location.
The budgeted range for this position is $132,500 - $180,000 per annum.
Core Duties:
- Manage local efforts in coordination with legal counsel related to complex or highly complex employment matters, litigation, and government agency charges.
- Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
- Manage all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions of employment disputes. Manage accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
- Ensure sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
- Act as an objective and confidential intermediary for employees and supervisors. Manage conflict resolution, mediation facilitation, problem solving, and negotiation with/between supervisors and employees.
- Act as a trusted expert for managers, supervisors, and employees on university policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Conceive, design, and deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and local human resource managers pertaining to employee relations and related compliance (e.g., training regarding policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
- Participate in the development of policies, processes, and communications applicable university-wide.
- Manage collective bargaining agreements for a school/unit or university-wide basis, including managing contract negotiations, responding to grievances and information requests on behalf of the university, and assisting with arbitrations.
- Manage multiple university-wide employee and labor relations programs such as grievances, reduction in workforce, and terminations.
- Provide policy/contract advice and counsel to schools/units in all areas of policy/contract administration, including policy application. Advise in labor contract management and policy administration, and development.
- Manage university-wide reduction in workforce programs and approve locally proposed reductions in workforce and terminations to ensure compliance with university policies.
- Review research pertaining to trends and practices in labor/employee relations – synthesize conclusions, endorse, and develop programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university.
- Conduct investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution meetings as needed.
- Provide back-up support for background check adjudication.
- May act as team lead for Employee and Labor Relations staff.
Minimum Education and Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, labor law, organizational behavior, or other related field and 5-8 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge regarding employee and labor relations, the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal employment laws.
- General knowledge of Employment Retirement Income Security Act requirements.
- Demonstrated experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques. Experience managing a dispute resolution program or grievance program.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment.
- Superior coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements. Experience with interest-based negotiations and problem solving strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Must have excellent presentation skills. Project management skills in a multiple-location/unit environment.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
- Strong, fundamental computer skills in technology/platform supporting business operations and communications.
Certificates and Licenses Required
None