Labor Relations Administrator 1

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Labor Relations Administrator 1 plays a central leadership role within the State Employment Relations Board (SERB). This position is responsible for leading critical investigative functions that support Ohio’s public sector labor relations system. This role is ideal for a professional who excels in evaluating complex information, guiding teams, and ensuring the integrity of processes that uphold collective bargaining rights under Ohio law. As a key leader within SERB, you will oversee investigations, manage representation case activity, and provide guidance on matters involving public employers, employees, and unions. You will help shape agency processes, direct staff handling sensitive and high‑impact cases, and ensure that SERB’s decisions and recommendations are grounded in thorough analysis, fairness, and statutory compliance.

Requirements

• 4 years of experience in collective bargaining to include contract administration & management representation with regard to grievances &/or negotiated agreements (successful completion of the OCB Academy may be substituted for 6 months of required collective bargaining experience referenced in this portion of the minimum qualifications; applicants who completed OCB Academy prior to 1/1/2018 may substitute 12 months of experience).
• OR completion of undergraduate core program in human resources management AND 2 years of experience in labor relations/collective bargaining which included contract administration & management representation with regard to grievances &/or negotiated agreements(successful completion of the OCB Academy may be substituted for 6 months of required collective bargaining experience referenced in this portion of the minimum qualifications; applicants who completed OCB Academy prior to 1/1/2018 may substitute 12 months of experience).
• OR 2 yrs. exp. as Labor Relations Officer 2, 63472.
• OR 1 yr. exp. as Labor Relations Officer 3, 63473.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
• Labor Relations

Responsibilities

• Lead Investigation and Case Management Functions: Oversee the administration of SERB’s Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) and representation (REP) programs, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and agency procedures.
• Review ULP charges, representation petitions, election objections, and challenged ballots to determine case direction and recommend action to the Board.
• Supervise and Develop Staff: Direct the work of Labor Relations Specialists by assigning cases, reviewing work products, delivering training, and evaluating performance.
• Guide staff through complex investigations and representation matters, providing technical expertise and ensuring consistency across cases.
• Conduct and Resolve Complex Case Matters: Lead the most sensitive or high‑impact investigations and representation cases, including those with statewide implications.
• Mediate settlements, including pre‑probable‑cause resolutions and consent election agreements, when appropriate.
• Coordinate Agency Activities: Work collaboratively with mediation, hearings, and legal staff to ensure aligned processes and coordinated case handling.
• Develop and implement procedures and policies that improve investigative quality, representation workflows, and legal operations.
• Manage Records and Reporting: Oversee case records, docket systems, and documentation standards to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Compile data and prepare periodic reports on case activity and program performance.
• Engage with Stakeholders: Respond to inquiries from public employers, employees, unions, agency personnel, elected officials, and the general public.
• Represent SERB in meetings, conferences, training sessions, and public speaking engagements.
• Collaborate with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on legal matters as needed.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree