Position Summary:

This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and is accountable for administration and coordination of employee/labor relations activities for the university. This includes contract administration, grievance processing, and the development and implementation of programs to assist managers and supervisors to deal effectively with employee relations and performance sues. As part of the Human Resources Senior Management teams, works to provide direction for overall University Human Resources programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Works with the AVP, Human Resources and the HR Management team to develop and implement an employee and labor relations strategy as reflected in the universities programs, policies and management practices.
• Provides administration and coordination of employee relations and labor relations activities according to established guidelines and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides guidance and counsel to managers regarding employee relation issues; facilitates resolution of and mediates employee/supervisor differences.
• Conducts employee relations and policy compliance investigations.
• Assists the AVP, Human Resources in the development and presentation of University position/proposals in labor contract negotiations.
• Provides counsel, advice, and expertise in interpretation and administration of University policies, collective bargaining agreements and on matters involving employee performance or other employment matters.
• Researches issues relative to contract interpretation/administration.
• Interacts with union officials and/or labor counsel in the handling of complaints or grievances and provides assistance to managers and supervisors at all levels of the complaint and grievance process.
• Participates in third-step grievance meetings and arbitration hearings.
• Provides recommendations on personnel policy and procedure changes and maintains the Employee Handbook.
• Oversees the process for maintenance of the Organizational Policy and Resource Guide.
• Investigates and responds to outside charges or formal complaints filed.
• Maintains the organization charts for the university.
• Prepares and records actions taken concerning grievances, arbitration cases and related labor relations activities to identify trends or problem areas.
• Develops and maintains affirmative action program and coordinates annual program review and reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• This position is best filled by an individual with a Bachelor's degree, and 7-10 years employee/labor relations experience, preferably within the academic arena.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws and current employee and labor relations practices are required, including experience in contract negotiation, conflict resolution, performance management, mediation facilitation and the dynamics of problem solving and negotiation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential along with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to form effective working relationships with people at all levels within an organization and to successfully identify and resolve problems in the workplace.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required; experience with HRIS technology preferred.
• Must be able to work independently within a team environment.