Labor Relations Liaison (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

1d•$102,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Labor Relations Liaison & Training Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for labor relations matters within the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). The position is responsible for developing and implementing labor relations training, supporting the agency’s labor-management activities, supervising assigned staff, and serving as a key representative in grievance and labor‑management processes. The role also functions as back‑up to the Labor Relations Manager, ensuring continuity of labor relations operations and training initiatives.

Requirements

Requires skill, knowledge and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college with courses in business, public administration, human resources, labor relations, education or a related field.
Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or private organization, and experience in administration of a labor relations program and labor relations training program.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience conducting labor‑management meetings, grievance investigations, or arbitration preparation within a public‑sector or unionized environment.
Two (2) years of experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, Personnel Rules, or state human resources policies in complex or sensitive situations.
Two (2) years of experience designing, developing, and delivering training programs for supervisors or managers, particularly in labor relations or disciplinary processes.
Two (2) years of experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with agency leadership, union representatives, legal counsel, and cross‑agency partners.
Two (2) years of experience preparing analytical reports, written decisions, case summaries, or similar documents requiring accuracy, clarity, and attention to detail.
Two (2) years of experience handling sensitive or confidential employee relations issues with sound judgment, professionalism, and consistency.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Labor Relations Liaison and training specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
Participates in the formulation of training strategies and initiatives in the development of the agency’s annual training plan.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with DEC managers and supervisory staff, as well as relevant state training units and Labor Relations trainers, to provide or receive input on labor relations training needs.
Serves as full-line supervisor.
Serves as back‑up to the Labor Relations Manager in their absence, designing, developing, delivering, evaluating, and conducting follow‑up on all aspects of labor relations, as well as supporting the daily operational needs of the agency.
Serves as the primary labor relations liaison for the Department of Early Childhood.
Serves as the third‑level representative for grievances.
Conducts and/or staffs labor‑management meetings for the Department of Early Childhood.
Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.