Workforce Relations Specialist

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Workforce Relations Specialist is responsible for the management of and compliance with specific conditions applicable to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from federal and state laws, provisions in bargaining contracts, policies, and procedures. The primary focus is on compliance with contracting out provisions as specified in State Senate Bill 820, Regents Policy 5402, and in bargaining agreements. Utilizing effective project management skills, the incumbent manages a range of special projects in employee and labor relations. Collaborates with internal UCI units, external partners, and the People Analytics team to support compliance efforts and ensure successful project completion. Utilizes strong data collection, tracking, and database management skills to maintain accurate, up-to-date dashboards that support timely and informed decision-making. Drafts responses on behalf of UCI leadership to represent positions on different issues. Incumbent will serve as the point of contact for UCI on contracting out issues, in close collaboration with UCI Procurement. Advises on, and tracks contracts for covered services and develops reports. Drafts and tracks notice letters to unions regarding contracting issues. Coordinates responses to Office of the President and union requests for information. Manages and corresponds on the execution of Wage and Benefit Parity Amendment Agreements and the identification of Qualified Individuals. Communicates with contractors to ensure compliance with Wage and Benefit Parity and tracks Qualified Individuals hours. Tracks and provides yearly wage and benefit parity rates and amendments. Coordinates with HR Business Partners and Talent Acquisition regarding insourcing of Qualified Individuals. This position cultivates strong, collaborative relationships with HR and its clients, identifies opportunities for enhancing organizational effectiveness, and serves as a technical point-of-contact for assigned functional area. Uses advanced operational concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Primarily deals with programs and proposals with broad impact across the function, research initiative, program and / or organization. Contributes to special projects, including overseeing the implementation of new programs and process improvements, as needed in support of Workforce Relations goals. Supports additional Workforce Relations functions as needed, such as coordinating timely and accurate responses to requests for information (RFIs).

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of common organizational or research-specific and other computer application programs.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Excellent collaboration skills.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced project management skills.
Thorough knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures.
Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.
Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.
Advanced organizational skills including those applied to project management.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience/training
Minimum 6 years' relevant experience
Minimum 3 years' experience in data management, tracking, and analysis.
Project management experience.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in data analysis and visualization, including experience building dashboards using tools such as Excel, Tableau, Power BI.
Experience in a labor relations function.

Responsibilities

Manage and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, bargaining contract provisions, policies, and procedures, with a primary focus on contracting out provisions.
Manage special projects in employee and labor relations using project management skills.
Collaborate with internal UCI units, external partners, and the People Analytics team for compliance efforts and project completion.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date dashboards using data collection, tracking, and database management skills to support decision-making.
Draft responses on behalf of UCI leadership regarding various issues.
Serve as the point of contact for UCI on contracting out issues, in collaboration with UCI Procurement.
Advise on and track contracts for covered services, and develop reports.
Draft and track notice letters to unions regarding contracting issues.
Coordinate responses to Office of the President and union requests for information.
Manage and correspond on the execution of Wage and Benefit Parity Amendment Agreements and the identification of Qualified Individuals.
Communicate with contractors to ensure compliance with Wage and Benefit Parity and track Qualified Individuals hours.
Track and provide yearly wage and benefit parity rates and amendments.
Coordinate with HR Business Partners and Talent Acquisition regarding insourcing of Qualified Individuals.
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with HR and its clients.
Identify opportunities for enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Serve as a technical point-of-contact for assigned functional area.
Resolve highly complex issues using advanced operational concepts and objectives.
Contribute to special projects, including overseeing the implementation of new programs and process improvements.
Support additional Workforce Relations functions, such as coordinating timely and accurate responses to requests for information (RFIs).