Labor Relations Manager (0991)

San Francisco Unified School District•San Francisco, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is seeking a Labor Relations Manager to serve as a key advisor to District leadership on labor and employee relations matters. This role involves managing complex labor relations activities, including collective bargaining support, contract administration, grievance resolution, labor-management collaboration, policy implementation, and strategic employee relations initiatives. The Labor Manager will act as a trusted consultant, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies, Civil Service Rules, Education Code, and applicable employment laws, while fostering productive relationships with labor organizations. SFUSD is committed to student success and equity, aiming to prepare students for college and career readiness.

Requirements

Knowledge of collective bargaining principles, contract administration, grievance processing, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, and labor-management relations.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA), California Education Code, Civil Service Rules, and other laws governing public sector employment.
Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, District policies, administrative regulations, memoranda of understanding, and applicable laws to complex employee and labor relations matters.
Ability to provide strategic consultation and sound recommendations to District leadership regarding labor and employee relations issues.
Ability to conduct research, analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, legally sound recommendations.
Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level correspondence, reports, bargaining proposals, settlement agreements, and presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with District leadership, employees, labor organizations, legal counsel, and other stakeholders.
Ability to effectively facilitate meetings, negotiations, labor-management committees, and conflict resolution discussions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality when handling highly sensitive employee and labor relations matters.
Demonstrated cultural humility and commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving a diverse workforce.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and HR information systems.
Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Employment Law, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of professional experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a closely related field.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years. A total of six (6) years of combined qualifying education and professional experience is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting labor relations research and analyzing statistical, financial, or operational data to support collective bargaining and organizational decision-making.
Experience working in a public sector, educational, or other highly regulated labor environment is highly desirable.
Coursework or advanced study in labor relations, human resources, public administration, business administration, employment law, or a closely related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary labor relations consultant to District administrators on labor and employee relations matters.
Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, District policies, Civil Service Rules, Education Code, and employment laws.
Manage the District's grievance process, including intake, investigation, analysis, written responses, settlements, and arbitration preparation.
Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations, including proposal development, costing analysis, research, strategy development, and bargaining presentations.
Research labor law, arbitration decisions, PERB decisions, and employment legislation to provide recommendations to District leadership.
Conduct investigations related to labor and employee relations matters and recommend appropriate corrective action.
Partner with Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Legal, Fiscal Services, and department leaders to resolve complex personnel issues.
Develop and implement labor relations policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
Monitor compliance with collective bargaining agreements and recommend operational improvements.
Prepare Board resolutions, Memoranda of Understanding, side letters, bargaining proposals, settlement agreements, and related labor documents.
Represent the District in grievance meetings, labor-management committees, mediation sessions, and administrative hearings as assigned.
Develop and deliver training to managers and supervisors regarding contract administration, employee relations, discipline, and labor law.
Analyze labor trends and recommend proactive strategies to reduce organizational risk and improve labor-management relationships.
Maintain confidential labor relations records and documentation in accordance with applicable laws and District policies.
Perform related duties as assigned.