Labor Relations Specialist

Labor Relations Specialist Overview

The Labor Relations Specialist (LRS) is responsible for leading and managing employee and labor relations function across the college. This position ensures fair and consistent application of policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws. The LRS serves as a trusted advisor to administrators, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of issues, including employee discipline, performance management, grievances, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution.

• Serves as the college’s primary contact for employee and labor relations matters.
• Interprets and administers all collective bargaining agreements (AFSCME & MCAAA, CBAs); provide guidance to management and staff on contractual obligations and rights.
• Assists with investigating employee complaints and workplace concerns, ensuring impartiality, consistency, and compliance with internal policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides coaching and counsel to supervisors and employees in concert with the Director of Restorative Practices and Mediation (DRPM) on performance management, corrective actions, and employee engagement strategies; design and conduct trainings on labor relation topics as needed.
• Coordinates and supports labor negotiations; prepare proposals, analyze data, and participate in bargaining sessions as needed.
• Works with the DRPM to monitor trends and proactively identify and resolve employee relations issues before escalating.
• Manages the grievance and arbitration process in partnership with college leadership and legal counsel.
• Works with the People & Talent team to analyze employee and labor relations data, trends, and metrics to provide insights and recommendations to management. Prepare reports and presentations as needed.
• Collaborates with People & Talent colleagues to ensure policy compliance, risk mitigation, and positive employee experiences.
• Works with the Director of Development to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training to supervisors on employee and/or labor relations best practices, to include, but not limited to contract administration and conflict resolution.
• Maintains thorough and confidential documentation of all employee relations activities.
• Stays current with employment laws, regulations, and labor relations developments, ensuring the college’s practices remain compliant and effective.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labor Relations, Pre-Law, Business Administration, or related field.
• Labor Relations and Arbitration knowledge is required.
  3-5 years of experience in labor relations, including considerable experience in working with collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and counseling management.
• 3-5 years of employee relations and performance coaching or management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and other Human Resources software, i.e., HRIS systems.
• Ability to multitask and work independently on projects.
  
  Ability to work effectively with a diverse group and population.
• Effective communication and people skills; must be able to work in a team-driven environment.

• Masters degree in related field.
• Previous experience in a higher education environment is highly desired.
• Specialized experience in handling grievances, negotiations, employment law, and employee relations.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.
• Bilingual.

We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.

Full-time, Non-Unit Professional Position:

• Salary Range:$76,687.37 - $84,668.75 (Grade
  6); plus a comprehensive State benefits package.
• Funding Source:State.
• Hours:37.5 hrs./week.

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents online:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References (with names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers).

When preparing your cover letter, please refer to the minimum and preferred qualifications as pertaining to this position and, if applicable, include an equivalency statement.

Please Note:

a skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.