Associate Director for Labor Relations (Hybrid Opportunity)

University of Massachusetts Amherst•Amherst, MA

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Director for Labor Relations the Associate Director for Labor Relations oversees the implementation and day-to-day administration of the University's staff collective bargaining agreements. Participates in the development, planning, and implementation of labor strategy, labor relations policies and procedures. Promotes collaborative labor relations by providing leadership, representation, coordination, advice, and support to university leaders in all aspects of labor relations, including contract administration, grievance handling, arbitrations, collective bargaining and unfair labor practice charges. Maintains effective relationships with union leadership, legal counsel, and utility industry labor relations contacts. Participates in labor contract negotiations and leads the grievance process, participating in arbitrations as needed. Ensures that management remains informed of and receives training on all labor relations policies and procedures. This position is a first point of contact for labor relations issues and serves as a functional lead negotiator for various bargaining units on campus.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and six (6) years of related experience or Master's Degree or other advanced degree and four (4) years of related experience.
Experience with the collective bargaining process.
Knowledge of employee and labor relations practices and federal and state regulations pertaining to labor issues.
Knowledge of performance management practices.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in a confidential environment.
Exceptional levels of professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in business, industrial relations, conflict resolution or related field or J.D.
Experience in drafting and presenting proposals in bargaining.
Experience in the public sector.
Experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

Participation in Contract Negotiations
Serves as a University spokesperson with delegated authority from the Office of the President during bargaining sessions with unions on campus.
Works closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief HR Officer and other members of the labor team on all faucets of Labor Relations.
Prepares reports, analyzes data, proposes strategies, and drafts tentative contract agreements with assigned units.
Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and employment policies.
Monitors trends in industry, including wages, hours, work rules, work conditions, benefits, etc. Monitors national, regional, and local economic data for potential impacts on negotiation and settlement of CBAs.
Consultation, Collaboration and Advice
Offers labor relations support to managers to facilitate the appropriate resolution of issues involving employees in campus departments.
Partners closely and supports the HRBPs regarding employee relations.
Develops and advises on performance improvement strategies and implements necessary disciplinary actions.
Investigates, develops, and prepares witnesses, documentation, and backup information for grievances and arbitrations.
Representation for the University
Participates in arbitration and other administrative agency proceedings and associated activities, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel as needed.
Acts as a University representative in labor management meetings, discussions, and selected grievance meetings.
Executes grievance settlements and labor management agreements.
Works with internal or external counsel to respond to government agency inquiries, including requests from DOL, MCAD, and EEOC.
Continually reviews labor relations policies, programs, and practices to keep the University informed of current practices and new developments; ensures that the University is in compliance with all legal and contractual labor requirements and regulations.
Participates in and delivers training regarding labor relations and employee relations on campus.
Manages data and produces reports on labor relations (e.g., grievance statistics, rfi's, layoffs, employee discipline, and other relevant areas).