EEO Officer and Deputy Director Employee and Labor Relations

NEIU•Chicago, IL

27d•$85,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is seeking an EEO Officer and Deputy Director of Employee and Labor Relations to lead responses to reports concerning faculty, staff, and third parties. This role involves overseeing case management, addressing workplace conflict, and partnering with colleagues on labor contracts for multiple collective bargaining units. The incumbent will also serve as the University's Equal Opportunity Officer and Records Officer, requiring extreme judgment for confidential employee matters, union contract administration, grievance administration, and discipline. The position demands strong problem-resolution, research/investigation, analytical, and persuasive skills, with the ability to shift priorities quickly. This is a professional, sensitive role with public relations aspects.

Requirements

Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization.
Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position.
Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization.
Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement.
Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field.
Knowledge of university or public labor organization contracts.
Experience in higher education human resources.
Experience in higher education labor relations.

Responsibilities

Lead responses to incoming reports concerning faculty, staff, and third parties.
Oversee case management for workplace conflict, issues, or concerns.
Partner with NEIU colleagues to assist with labor contracts of five collective bargaining units covering student employees, staff, and faculty.
Manage grievance administration.
Provide support and training to administration and professional staff.
Develop policies and procedures related to employee and labor relations.
Serve as the University’s Equal Opportunity Officer and Records Officer.
Listen to employees, assess situations, and guide individuals toward effective problem resolutions and options.
Develop, design, deliver, and evaluate training programs regarding mediation, negotiation, and related skill sets.
Consult with department leaders, managers, and administrators to minimize the costs of workplace conflict.
Develop resources and tools to aid University constituents in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and problem resolution.
Work proactively with management, leadership, and union contacts to address employee concerns and conflicts.
Support building administration with employee disciplinary processes.
Consult with legal and senior leadership to interpret employment laws (FLSA, EEOC, etc.).
Receive, review, and investigate complaints of discrimination or harassment.
Manage reports involving students, faculty, staff, and third parties from receipt to resolution.
Provide search committees with hiring guidance, EEO search compliance information, and track searches.
Develop action-oriented programs/activities to address affirmative action goals and diversify the workforce.
Oversee case management and coordinate the accommodation process for all University employees.
Support the initiation and management of the interactive process with employees, managers, HR, and applicable stakeholders.
Provide support and guidance for short-term and long-term accommodations for employees.
Act as a liaison between employees, management, Payroll, Benefits, Facilities, and other departments/systems.
Educate employees and HR on complicated aspects of return to work, accommodations, and complex case processes.
Assist leadership with FMLA/LOA requests.
Manage and improve the University’s records retention and disposal program.
Counsel employees on compliance with the State Records Act.
Assist with the filing of records destruction requests to the state.
Maintain an up-to-date case management database, organizing and tracking all reports.
Monitor activity to track for patterns and systemic concerns and any barriers to reporting.
Assist with regulatory reporting requirements and inquiries.
Perform other duties as assigned.