Labor and Employee Relations Senior Manager

Vermont State University•Saint Albans City, VT

4d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Dean of People and Culture, this role serves as a labor and employee relations expert for the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) institutions, including the Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University. The position acts as a management representative in collective bargaining, ensuring compliance with union contracts and VSCS policies. It provides consistent, professional services, develops training materials for collective bargaining and grievance mitigation, and leads system-wide training. The role guides supervisors and HR staff in addressing employee performance, misconduct, and general HR matters. It is a key contributor to developing and maintaining comprehensive HR policies and strategies, collaborating with the Office of General Counsel on settlement agreements, and actively engaging in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or other closely related field
plus five or more years progressively responsible, professional experience in collective bargaining and labor and employee relations activities
or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills could be derived.
Knowledge of principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining agreements and employment laws (state and federal), such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the State Employees' Labor Relations Act.
Knowledge of Human Resources practices and techniques.
Knowledge of Dispute resolution and compensation administration.
Skills in effective written and oral communications, keen listening and presentation.
Skills in effective use of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution strategies.
Skills in computerized systems for word processing, spreadsheets and databases to retrieve and analyze data and/or create reports.
Skills in effective project and time management.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply applicable laws, agreements and policies.
Ability to build trust with colleagues and reconcile labor and employee relations issues.
Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
Ability to present and defend a position in front of an audience.
Ability to manage multiple complex matters in parallel.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a higher education setting highly desirable.
SHRM certified.

Responsibilities

Serves as a management representative; provides advice, guidance, and assistance to VSCS managers and supervisors with respect to sensitive labor relations matters, including grievances, employee performance, and disciplinary actions.
Administers, interprets and ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, VSCS policies, procedures and practices and Federal and State regulations (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, Workers’ Comp, ADA, etc.)
Develops and maintains positive employee relations by promoting open communications, supporting quality performance, and addressing workforce concerns.
Facilitates on-going communication and strong working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees.
Conducts, collects and assesses evidence in administrative inquiries associated with potential policy or regulatory violations. Makes systemic and individual recommendations for corrective action or measures, as appropriate.
Analyzes information and data to identify and discern resource implications for evolving practices at the VSCS institutions, as well as management and union proposals regarding compensation and benefits, working conditions, and other circumstances.
Develops and manages collective bargaining priorities and strategies. Collaborates with legal counsel and others to prepare for and participate in negotiations with labor unions.
Supports legal counsel in arbitrations and hearings related to unfair labor practice complaints, unit determinations, grievances, and other legal proceedings.
Maintains knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and employee relations.
Train and coaches managers and supervisors with respect to supervising employees; assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate courses of action.
Trains managers and supervisors in employee relations best practices and strategies. Develops and delivers management training programs designed to advance the skills of VSCS employees.
Advises institutional leaders in organizational development activities and provide guidance and insight when operating decisions intersect with or are affected by VSCS policies, procedures, and practices, Federal and State regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
Develops and recommends Human Resources strategies, policies, and procedures concerning business operations and personnel practices.
Performs other duties as assigned.