LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER - REMOTE

at  University of California Office of the President

POSITION SUMMARY

High-level Labor Relations professional who provides expert labor relations support and guidance to labor relations professionals throughout the organization, regularly interfaces with labor organization/union leaders, and utilizes specialized labor relations expertise to respond to grievances and information requests as well as identify and resolve highly complex labor relations issues in meaningful and effective ways. Expected to be a self-starter and to work independently and/or with little direct supervision at a high-level as well as offer creative solutions to complex issues. Works in an effective and collaborative manner with diverse stakeholders (internal and external) across the organization. Able to work independently, effectively manage time, and effectively execute job duties (producing superior outcomes) both in-person and remotely. Advanced oral and written communication skills (including an understanding and command of labor relations terminology and legal concepts) are essential to this role. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate. (There are 2 positions available.)

EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications
Minimum 8 years Related experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required Qualifications
Possesses advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of organizational policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the organization.
Has advanced knowledge of labor/employment law and the principles and techniques of labor negotiations.
Demonstrates strong communication skills both written and oral that will be reflected in contract negotiations, drafting contract language, responding to union information requests and union grievances, decision memoranda, briefing documents, and all other written materials.
Demonstrates strong quantitative skills and an ability to use Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Ability to effectively and professionally use video-conferencing platforms and applications. Must be able to work independently, effectively manage time, effectively communicate, and produce superior work product in an in-person or remote work environment.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the principles of advocacy in order to represent the organization in complex and sensitive dispute forums.
Has working knowledge of applicable state and federal labor laws and administrative decisions regarding labor relations related matters.
Possesses specialized knowledge within labor relations field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrates skills necessary to bargain and represent the organization’s interests effectively.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors Degree in a related area such as Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, or Public Administration with a minimum of 8 years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Masters Degree and/or Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA Accredited law school.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

30% Extensive travel required within California for collective bargaining sessions and occasional meetings.

30% Labor-Management Relations -Develop and maintain appropriate union-management relations through informal and formal oral and written communications with union representatives. Respond to union request for information, such as providing salary data, policy information; determine which type(s) of information can or cannot be released by reviewing relevant records laws, campus practices, and HEERA. Effectively conduct labor management meetings by determining management’s objectives, developing and reviewing agendas, and researching past practice as needed. Respond as appropriate to union demands and assure follow up with management, including implementation of agreed upon items. Provide notice to union representatives as required by HEERA, past practice as determined by University management. Review proposed policy, procedural and work-related changes to determine notice requirements.
40% Contract Negotiations and Administration -Act as the University’s grievance hearing officer at the designated step of various labor contracts; evaluate the grievances, investigate relevant matters presented by the grievance, draft and issue written grievance responses, and ensure that actions taken are in compliance with the applicable contractual provisions .Provide interpretations of collective-bargaining agreements to departments and managers and assist with general administration of collective bargaining agreements. Draft decision memoranda with clear and concise recitation of the facts, applicable law or contract provisions, appropriate analysis, and recommendations for courses of action. Contribute to the development and execution of collective-bargaining strategies including, but not limited to, contract negotiations and the development of University proposals. Serve as a spokesperson during contract negotiations as necessary. Assist during contract negotiations by maintaining notes, drafting and managing proposals, managing information requests, and drafting and managing requests for bargaining authority. Collaborate with negotiators to identify issues and possible responses associated with bargaining- both in advance of negotiations for strategic planning and during negotiations as new issues arise. Represent System-wide Labor Relations and provide high-level assistance to campus clients during local contract negotiations. Chair and/or co-chair committee and collaborative meetings with labor relations leaders across the system as needed. Develop training materials relative to contract interpretation, administration, and compliance. Coordinate and manage systemwide communications and the collection of data relative to labor relations and contract interpretation, administration, and compliance.
20% Interdepartmental/Systemwide Collaboration -Collaborate with University attorneys and outside counsel concerning matters in dispute and assist with developing and recommending strategies and options for dispute resolution including, but not limited to, side-agreements and settlement agreements. Draft side agreements and settlement agreements. Assist with drafting briefing documents and memoranda for presentation to key stakeholders.Participate in grievance, arbitration and unfair labor practice proceedings as necessary and assigned.
10% Maintain and research files and labor relations law regarding past practices, prior arbitration awards, trends in employment practices, and legal precedents for proposed actions. Perform all other duties as assigned.