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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Associate Director for Labor Relations (Hybrid Opportunity)

Amherst, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

4+ years exp

UMass Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that is seeking an Associate Director for Labor Relations. This role involves overseeing the implementation and administration of the University's staff collective bargaining agreements, providing leadership and support in labor relations, and ensuring compliance with labor policies.

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Responsibilities

Participation in Contract Negotiations

Serves as a University spokesperson with delegated authority from the Office of the President during bargaining sessions with unions on campus

Works closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief HR Officer and other members of the labor team on all faucets of Labor Relations

Prepares reports, analyzes data, proposes strategies, and drafts tentative contract agreements with assigned units

Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and employment policies

Monitors trends in industry, including wages, hours, work rules, work conditions, benefits, etc. Monitors national, regional, and local economic data for potential impacts on negotiation and settlement of CBAs

Offers labor relations support to managers to facilitate the appropriate resolution of issues involving employees in campus departments

Partners closely and supports the HRBPs regarding employee relations

Develops and advises on performance improvement strategies and implements necessary disciplinary actions

Investigates, develops, and prepares witnesses, documentation, and backup information for grievances and arbitrations

Participates in arbitration and other administrative agency proceedings and associated activities, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel as needed

Acts as a University representative in labor management meetings, discussions, and selected grievance meetings

Executes grievance settlements and labor management agreements

Works with internal or external counsel to respond to government agency inquiries, including requests from DOL, MCAD, and EEOC

Continually reviews labor relations policies, programs, and practices to keep the University informed of current practices and new developments; ensures that the University is in compliance with all legal and contractual labor requirements and regulations

Participates in and delivers training regarding labor relations and employee relations on campus

Manages data and produces reports on labor relations (e.g., grievance statistics, rfi’s, layoffs, employee discipline, and other relevant areas)

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Collective bargaining processLabor relations practicesEmployee relationsPerformance managementOralWritten communicationProfessionalismData analysisTraining deliveryConfidentiality