Labor Relations Professional​/Senior Human Resources Professional

Working/Functional

Title:

Employee & Labor Relations Professional

The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Professional serves as a key advisor to leaders, HR partners, and employees on complex employee and labor relations matters. This role ensures consistent and compliant application of collective bargaining agreements, university policies, and labor laws while fostering positive labor‑management relationships.

This position supports grievance administration, performance management, and dispute resolution, while also contributing to collective bargaining as a member of the University’s negotiation team. This position offers growing responsibility and exposure to negotiation and decision‑making processes, building the expertise needed for advanced roles in labor relations strategy and leadership.

The salary range for this position is fixed at $75,000 – $85,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 3 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre‑approved by the supervisor.

• Advise leaders and HR partners on performance issues, misconduct, and corrective action
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, policies, and labor laws
• Serve as a liaison between management and union representatives to support effective relationships
• Partner with leaders to proactively address workplace concerns and prevent escalation
• Review and assess disciplinary actions for alignment with just cause and past practice
• Support grievance administration, including case evaluation and participation in meetings
• Contribute to collective bargaining preparation, research, and proposal development
• Develop and deliver training on labor relations, contract administration, and workplace practices

• Demonstrates sound judgment and problem‑solving in complex, sensitive workplace situations
• Build trust and credibility with leaders, HR partners, and union representatives
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both written and verbally, across diverse audiences
• Applies knowledge of labor laws, contract interpretation, and employee relations practices
• Balances competing priorities with strong organization, attention to detail, and follow‑through

• Shape fair, consistent workplace practices that support employees and organizational success
• Gain hands‑on experience in collective bargaining and labor relations strategy
• Partner with experienced HR and ELR professionals committed to collaboration, excellence, and service

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four‑year college degree program in Human Resources Administration, Labor and Industrial Relations, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in employee and labor relations administration; experience handling employee disciplinary matters, grievances, appeals, and complaints; experience supporting labor contract negotiations;

or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience supporting the chief negotiator for collective bargaining; advanced training or education related to Labor and Employee relations;
Human Resources certification; experience with labor relations for faculty and academic staff.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.