Senior Director, and Labor Relations

Department OPS HR - Employee and Labor Relations

About the Department The University of Chicago's Human Resources team is dedicated to building institutional capacity to advance the University's mission in providing excellence in education, research and innovation. As a strategic partner, we collaborate with the divisions and units to attract, develop, reward and engage diverse talent to meet their specific goals and those of the University overall. We are a team of resources working together to provide organizational leadership, advice and support to meet the changing needs of our academic and staff community.

The Senior Director, Employee and Labor Relations is a member of the broader University Human Resources team and directs the Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) team, who provide consultation on and resolution of employee and labor relations inquiries from academic and administrative unit leaders. As a member of the HR Leadership Team, this role fosters strategic collaborations and builds partnerships across campus that drive organizational effectiveness and superior service in support of the University's mission and vision.

Through strategic policies, procedures, labor contracts, and employment practices, the Senior Director creates a positive and collaborative work environment that unites leaders and employees around fair treatment and the consistent, lawful application of University policies and federal/state law. The Senior Director also serves as the University's chief labor relations representative, responsible for academic and staff bargaining units encompassing over 4,000 employees.

This is a strategic and operations management position reporting to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.

• Oversees the development of structures, policies, and labor agreements that promote fair treatment and ensure University-wide compliance with laws and regulations, administered through HR professionals across campus.
• Supervises ELR Consultants' investigations of employee complaints, occasionally serving as lead investigator, and partners with the Office for Equal Opportunity Programs on investigations involving students, academic appointees, and staff.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership for labor management and employee relations programs with University-wide impact.
• Administers the collective bargaining agreements.
• Establishes and directs employee relations procedures, including grievance filings, exit interviews, and employee complaint investigations.
• Represents the University in contract negotiations with labor unions and administrative agency cases before the EEOC, Illinois Department of Human Rights, and National Labor Relations Board.
• Develops the strategy in arbitration hearings as the University Advocate.
• Guides and counsels deans, officers, and other University leaders on complex and strategic employee and labor relations matters.
• Determines strategies and tactics to address employee-related issues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Work Experience:
  
  10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications:
  
  ---

• Education:
  
  Juris Doctor, or Master's degree in human resources or labor relations/industrial relations.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum ten years of experience representing management employing at least 1,000 employees in all aspects of labor relations, including serving as lead negotiator in collective bargaining.
• Minimum ten years of experience advising management on the full range of employee relations matters, encompassing all federal and Illinois employment law.
• Background in higher education with issues unique to higher education settings.
• Coaching and developing a team to ensure objectives are met, and personal development plans are encouraged and fostered.

• Build credibility and trust with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders while providing sound, strategic counsel on complex labor and employee relations matters.
• Superb analytical and communication skills, bringing the ability to examine challenges creatively and propose innovative and effective solutions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members, including determining talents and expanding responsibilities to enhance professional growth.
• Develop and apply sound strategies for complex labor, employee relations, and compliance matters.
• Develop and execute effective negotiation and advocacy strategies for collective bargaining, arbitration, grievances, and administrative proceedings.

• University Human Resources
• Role Impact:
  People Manager
• Scheduled Weekly
  
  Hours:
  
  37.5
• Drug Test
  
  Required:
  
  No
• Health Screen
  
  Required:
  
  No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry
  
  Required:
  
  No
• Pay Rate Type:
  Salary
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt
• Pay Range: $ - $

Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and…