Interim Director, Employee and Labor Relations

Brandeis University•Waltham, MA

6d•$160,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Brandeis University is seeking a strategic, highly motivated, and compliance-driven Interim Director, Employee and Labor Relations. The position assists in planning, organizing, and directing key human resources operations and oversees the University’s Human Resources Business Partner group. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources and collaborating with HR and Office of Equal Opportunity leaders, the Director develops and executes labor and employee relations strategy to support a positive work environment, positive labor relationships, employee engagement and satisfaction, effective communication, and a culture of teamwork and trust. The Director leads the University’s employee and labor relations practices, provides strategic consultation to senior leaders and managers, supervises Human Resources Business Partners, and advises on employment actions, compliance, organizational change, and potential legal risks. The role also serves as the Human Resources Business Partner for faculty. The hiring range is $160,000–$180,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, industrial relations, or a related field.
Eight to ten years of progressive human resources and labor relations experience, typically with direct exposure to unionized work environments.
At least five years of direct management experience.
Deep knowledge of labor and employment law and related federal and state rules and regulations.
Strong negotiation and mediation abilities.
High emotional intelligence and sound analytical and crisis-management skills.
Strong project management skills, including successfully leading projects from planning through completion.
Experience collaborating with groups including faculty, staff, students, consultants, government agencies, auditors, and community groups.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field or a law degree.
Experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic consultation and support to senior leadership and managers on human-capital issues, including organizational structure, reorganizations, employee engagement and communications, performance concerns, and reductions in force.
Coordinate and direct the employee relations practice, including developing HR policies and practices, drafting and revising employee communications, counseling managers and supervisors, and overseeing performance management.
Supervise and oversee the Human Resources Business Partners, who provide HR consultation and support to their operational units.
Oversee and conduct employee investigations unrelated to allegations of discrimination or sexual misconduct, including matters involving employee conduct, workplace violence, and consensual relationships.
Support organizational change initiatives by establishing communication and employee relations strategies and guiding leaders and managers in implementing change.
Provide HR colleagues with technical guidance, leadership, and support regarding leaves of absence, equitable hiring practices, and other compliance concerns.
Support and facilitate ADA reasonable accommodations for University faculty and staff.
Partner with HR colleagues and other constituents to design and deliver training on employee relations compliance topics and employment law updates.
Serve as the Human Resources Business Partner for faculty.
Coordinate and direct the University’s labor relations practice, including contract negotiations and administration, grievance administration, union election oversight, labor strategy, union-related metrics and reporting, and union relationships.
Encourage positive employee relations in non-union sectors of the University.
Advise senior leaders and managers on labor compliance, employment actions and reorganizations involving unionized employees, emerging issues, and potential legal risks.
Partner with the General Counsel’s office and external counsel to manage labor relations issues and processes.