Manager of Labor Relations

Massachusetts Trial Court•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Working within the Human Resources Department of the Office of Court Management, the Manager of Labor Relations is responsible for maintaining an ongoing professional dialogue with all Trial Court unions, using both formal and informal methods to address issues and grievances. The Manager also clarifies management policies, performs conflict resolution, provides contract and personnel policy interpretation, and provides assistance and direction on a variety of other human resources matters. The Manager of Labor Relations initiates a variety of Human Resources led investigations and other inquiries concerning conduct and disciplinary matters; the Manager also supervises less senior human resources staff in the performance of work related to labor relations and investigations. The Manager of Labor Relations also contributes to the Human Resources Department in the ongoing formulation and negotiation of policy as outlined in the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

A Bachelors degree in a related field and demonstrated ability to identify and address labor relations issues, developing creative and feasible solutions, while interacting effectively and professionally with others as acquired through at least (6) years of professional labor relations experience, at least three of which must be management work experience.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with persons at all levels, including judges, and to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to negotiate with union officials and Trial Court staff to reach agreements, propose remedies, and resolve conflicts.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor relations and Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures
Demonstrated ability to perform human resources related activities of the most complex and non-routine nature, including researching issues and recommending feasible solutions
Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related software, including HR/CMS (Oracle/PeopleSoft) and MS Office.
Ability to understand and administer policies and procedures of the Human Resources Department and the Massachusetts Trial Court
Ability to multi-task and manage a variety of assignments at once
Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and develop workarounds for issues that require timely resolution
Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to communicate very clearly and effectively in oral and written form
Ability to work independently and with an attention to detail
Ability to travel within the Commonwealth if necessary

Nice To Haves

A law degree and admission to the practice of law in Massachusetts, or a related graduate degree is preferred.
Must have a background that demonstrates a history of regular professional development; demonstrating a record of initiating best practices, the consistent application of policies, and innovative approaches to labor relations and conducting employment related investigations.

Responsibilities

Serves as the hearing officer for all grievances at Step III of the union grievance procedure
Initiates investigations and related inquiries concerning workplace misconduct and disciplinary matters
Investigates claims of workplace conflict and prepares reports of findings
Assists in the development, negotiation, and implementation of collective bargaining provisions and personnel policies and procedures
Drafts a variety of legal memoranda and documents related to employment litigation as needed
Provides assistance and advice to judges, department heads and employees concerning employee relations, contract administration and interpretation, personnel policy and procedure interpretation, and general human resources management
Plans, develops and conducts training sessions for department heads and supervisors
Provides interpretation of personnel policies and procedures to managers and employees
Consults with Talent Acquisition to research and resolve questions about the hiring process including screening and interviewing of union candidates
Assists in instructing appointing authorities or their designees on a variety of labor issues, provisions of collective bargaining agreements, and human resources policies and procedures
Manages multiple complex labor relations matters or employee investigations simultaneously
Leads special projects
Responds to inquiries for information and attends proceedings at the Department of Unemployment Assistance
Assists in the development and presentation of Labor Relations Training Programs for Managers throughout the Trial Court
Performs related duties as required