Labor & Employee Relations Manager

About the Position: This is a full time FLSA exempt professional staff position. The Employee & Labor Relations Manager manages the employee relations, labor relations, and employment functions within the Human Resources Department. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with complex state and federal regulations, university policies, and union contracts related to employment. The Manager participates in all aspects of collective bargaining, grievance resolution, progressive discipline, and contract administration serving as liaison to our labor negotiators. The Employee & Labor Relations Manager works to promote positive and professional relationships with employees and union representatives as well as administration.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manages the Employee Relations, Labor Relations and Employment functions within the Human Resources Department
• Serves as primary contact to labor leadership
• Participates in contract negotiations and conducts impact bargaining with two unions
• Develops and delivers effective labor relations training to the campus community i.e. contract interpretation, managing in a union environment, and general labor relations training
• Coordinates and oversees disciplinary investigations, grievance responses, and grievance meetings
• Processes and monitors the recruitment and selection process
• Provides support and guidance for departmental re-organizations and re-structures
• Meets regularly with labor representatives to maintain collaborative relations, resolve concerns and provide clarification on issues

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree      
• Minimum of five to seven years of increasingly responsible professional Human Resources experience including three years in the public sector and in multiple HR functional areas         
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements and contract administration
• Excellent interpersonal, teambuilding and communication skills, including effective presentation skills        
• Experience with interpreting complex Human Resources guidelines, codes, regulations, policies and procedures including state and federal personnel law        
• Demonstrated track record of effective problem analysis and resolution        
• Proven effective leadership skills including ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and diverse groups

Preferred Qualifications:

• SPHR or PHR certificate; or ability to become certified       
• Served as a member of a collective bargaining team
• Labor negotiator        
• Certified mediator

Job Location: Western Washington University, Bellingham WA

Salary: $67,000 - 70,000 (depending on experience) and an excellent benefits package

Bargaining Union: Not applicable

Job Posted: 11/6/2009

Closing Date Notes: Open until filled

Recruitment #: 090558

WWU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, Vietnam-era and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires. For disability accommodation, call (360) 650-3774.

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