HR Manager/Labor & Employee Relations - Fresno State

Another Source•Fresno, CA

11d•$95,000 - $126,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Fresno State is seeking a Human Resources Manager for Labor & Employee Relations to join their HR leadership team. This is a highly visible role serving as a trusted advisor to campus leaders and a key partner to union representatives. The position will lead work across collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations, grievances, workplace investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Labor/Employee Relations professional who enjoys navigating complex workplace issues, building strong relationships, and developing practical solutions. This is a hybrid opportunity with one remote day per week, and relocation assistance is available for discussion. Fresno State is a vibrant public university committed to educating and empowering students for success, fostering a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a closely related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a collective bargaining environment, including knowledge of collective bargaining agreement administration and interpretation.
Demonstrated success resolving workplace conflict through approaches such as mediation, negotiation, facilitation, and problem-solving.
Working knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations.
Strong critical-thinking, analytical, research, negotiation, creative problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with employees, managers, labor unions, campus partners, external constituencies, and the public.
Ability to conduct and document sensitive workplace matters and prepare investigative reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, position statements, and grievance responses.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to establish productive working relationships, lead and motivate others, and approach confidential and sensitive matters with objectivity, fairness, empathy, and sound judgment.
Demonstrated understanding of how diversity, equity, and inclusion influence people and workplace environments, along with the ability to understand and value perspectives across different backgrounds and cultures.
Proficiency with common workplace technology and software, including Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft applications, and related tools.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or law degree from an accredited institution.
HRCI and/or SHRM professional certification.
Experience in a higher education and/or public agency environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to managers, supervisors, and department chairs, helping them interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, CSU policies, and University procedures.
Build productive relationships with union representatives and serve as a primary University liaison in regular labor-management meetings, meet-and-confer discussions, and other labor relations activities.
Manage grievances and complaints from intake through resolution, including researching issues, evaluating contract provisions, preparing responses, and identifying effective resolution strategies.
Lead and support workplace investigations, mediations, interventions, corrective and disciplinary actions, terminations, and other complex employee relations matters.
Conduct intake meetings, review concerns, gather and analyze information, and prepare clear investigative reports, grievance responses, position statements, and related documentation.
Assess risk associated with employee personnel actions and provide thoughtful recommendations regarding appropriate corrective action or discipline.
Coach managers and leaders through performance management, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and sensitive employee situations with an emphasis on consistency, fairness, and sound judgment.
Develop and deliver labor and employee relations training, including performance management resources and programs that help campus leaders address issues proactively and effectively.
Serve as a resource to employees seeking guidance regarding formal and informal grievance, complaint, and workplace dispute-resolution processes.
Maintain organized and compliant records related to grievances, investigations, complaints, and other employee relations matters in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and statutory requirements.
Partner with the Office of Compliance & Civil Rights, Office of Faculty Affairs, campus legal counsel, and other stakeholders on complex matters, including responses to external federal and state regulatory agencies when needed.
Support workplace climate assessments, employee exit processes, and the implementation of strategies designed to improve the employee experience.
Represent the University, as appropriate, in State Personnel Board proceedings and assist campus legal counsel with hearings and related matters.
Collaborate with campus and CSU systemwide stakeholders to identify creative solutions to complex labor and employee relations challenges.
Contribute as a member of the HR leadership team to broader departmental priorities and Fresno State’s continued commitment to a professional, caring, and human-centered workplace.