Assistant Vice President for Labor and Employee Relations

Harrisburg Area Community College•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Labor and Employee Relations serves as a Human Resources leader responsible for the College’s labor and employee relations. The AVP serves as a trusted advisor to the Vice President, President’s Cabinet, senior administrators, and academic leadership on labor strategy, employee relations, workplace investigations, regulatory compliance, and institutional policy. The role leads complex labor-management matters, oversees compliance with employment laws and regulatory requirements, and promotes consistent, equitable employment practices. The AVP develops proactive strategies to strengthen employee relations, while contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or related field, or Juris Doctor required
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in union and labor relations is required.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, compliance, or related Human Resources functions
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory and management experience, preferably in a unionized higher education or public sector environment
Significant experience leading collective bargaining strategy, contract administration, grievance resolution, and arbitration matters
Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, mediation, conciliatory and restorative practices
Demonstrated experience overseeing workplace investigations, including EEO, discrimination, harassment, misconduct, and other compliance-related matters
Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including labor and employment law, EEO/Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and related compliance requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems
Valid Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or relevant professional certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SCP, or equivalent) preferred
Experience with Faculty Union at a College or University

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction for labor relations and employee relations
Serve as an advisor to executive leadership on labor strategy, compliance matters, and workplace issues
Develop strategic initiatives related to labor and employee relations
Lead continuous improvement efforts related to labor and employee relations processes, systems, and service delivery.
Lead labor relations strategy, negotiations, and contract administration, and advise leadership on labor strategy and contract interpretation.
Oversee grievance administration, arbitration matters, labor-management committees, and dispute resolution processes, and administration of the collective bargaining agreement.
Collaborate with academic and administrative leadership regarding labor matters
Represent the College in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other labor-related proceedings, as appropriate.
Provide oversight of complex employee relations matters and ensure fair, consistent, and legally sound resolutions.
Oversee workplace investigations involving discrimination, harassment, misconduct, retaliation, and related concerns.
Manage disciplinary actions, performance concerns, conflict resolution, and progressive discipline.
Promote proactive employee relations strategies that strengthen workplace climate and reduce organizational risk, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, and conciliatory and restorative practices
Oversee development, review, interpretation, and implementation of HR policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Monitor changes in labor and employment laws and regulatory requirements; recommend policy and practice changes accordingly.
Partner with legal counsel and internal stakeholders on employee matters.
Provide training related to labor relations, compliance, investigations, workplace conduct, and supervisory practices.
Support leadership development in conflict resolution, mediation, conciliatory and restorative practices, performance management, corrective action, and employee engagement.
Champion strategies that enhance workplace culture, employee engagement, and recognition initiatives.
Oversee tracking, analysis, and reporting related to labor and employee cases.
Use data and metrics to inform strategy, decision-making, and continuous improvement efforts.
Prepare executive reports, recommendations, and presentations
Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies on employment, compliance, and labor-related matters.
Participate in committees, shared governance groups, and strategic initiatives.
Support broader Human Resources and organizational development initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.