Assistant Director of Labor Relations

Key Responsibilities

30% Employee Relations Duties:

• Advises Universities on performance management and other workplace issues, including state and federal employment related statues, rules, and regulations;
• Conducts investigations as needed; recommends solutions to disputes and/or performance or misconduct problems;
• Leads fact finding investigations, coordinates responses to employee complaints and grievances
• Works with Human Resources, General Counsel and other Offices on investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and contested filings with state or federal agencies;
• Conducts training for managers and supervisors in due process, and related employee relations issues in cooperation with Human Resources and/or other Offices.

70% Labor Relations Duties:

• Builds relationships with the Universities’ union leadership as well as leadership from the unions’ affiliated office(s).
• Meets with union leadership and representatives regularly to resolve concerns, problems, and grievances.
• Works with stakeholders, bargaining, and management teams to develop negotiation strategies and tactics, contract language, communication plans, settlement agreements.
• May serve as chief spokesperson for collective bargaining or as member of the Universities’ bargaining team.
• Provides consultation for managers and supervisors on disciplinary actions involving bargaining unit employees to ensure consistent and fair application of the principles of due process and just cause, as well as collective bargaining agreements and University policy.
• Interprets collective bargaining language and relevant employment laws and policies for supervisors and employees.
• Prepares for and assists in presenting arbitration and contested cases, may represent the University at arbitration, mediation, and appeal hearings.
• Implements and administers collective bargaining agreements.
• Serves as the primary contract for the Universities’ faculty unions regarding contract administration and leads meetings with the bargaining and management teams in preparation for all negotiations.
• Represents the Universities at meetings with their respective Unions.
• Provides training to managers and supervisors regarding the interpretation and application of the collective bargaining agreements.

Qualification & Requirements

• J.D.; licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon or become admitted to practice law in the State of Oregon within one (1) year of hire.
• 6-9 years of labor relations experience in either the public sector or higher education.
• Experience as a first chair/spokesperson in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Experience in handling grievances, arbitrations, union organizing drives, and unfair labor practice proceedings.
• Proven track record of success in establishing credibility with major unions.
• Knowledge of Oregon’s Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act, and federal and state employment related statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, and employment laws; human resource theories, practices, and techniques; supervisory principles; program development and administrative principles and practices; regulatory laws that affect employment, including understanding of ADA, FMLA, Title VII/Civil Rights Act, and Title IX.
• Demonstrated high integrity, outstanding management skills, exemplary ability to build rapport and trusting relationships within USSE and amongst the Universities.
• Strong written and communication skills and demonstrated expertise in negotiating, facilitating or mediating the resolution of employment or human resource related issues.
• Communicate, work, and collaborate effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of University staff, faculty, and students.
• Experience in a similar position at a college, university, or university system comparable to the Universities
• PHR or SPHR certification
• Knowledge of Procedures used to investigate and resolve employee grievances.

Demonstrated skill in:

• Building strong relationships and partnerships with labor organizations and various interest groups.
• Effective written and oral communications, listening, presentation, group facilitation, influencing, and negotiations.
• Application of processes for influencing performance management.
• Effective use of mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Utilizing computerized systems for work processing, spreadsheet applications, and data bases to retrieve and analyze data and/or create reports.
• Effective project and time management experience.

Ability to:

• Present ideas clearly and effectively, in both oral and written form.
• Work effectively as a team member, including university staff, administrators, attorneys, and employee relations managers.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and direction, to meet deadlines, and to maintain a positive attitude while working under pressure.
• Experience should demonstrate good organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with high-level executives and officials.
• Maintain high standards of integrity and ethics.
• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.