Employee and Labor Relations Manager - Vermont State University : Job Details

NON BARGAINING UNIT EXEMPT GRADE 15

Under the direction of the AVP of People and Culture, the Employee and Labor Relations Manager manages and directs employee and labor relations for Vermont State University (VTSU). Activities include contract interpretation, team negotiation of multiple collective bargaining agreements, and coordination of related activities, including training and education. The Employee & Labor Relations Manager serves as a key contributor to the development and maintenance of comprehensive Human Resources policies and strategies related to employee and labor relations.

Responsibilities:

* Develops and maintains positive employee relations by promoting open communications, supporting quality performance, and addressing employee concerns.

* Serves as a management representative; provides advice, guidance, and assistance to VTSU managers and supervisors with respect to sensitive labor relations matters, including grievances, employee performance, and disciplinary actions.

* Facilitates on-going communication and strong working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees.

* Administers, interprets and ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, University policies, and procedures.

* Analyzes information and data to identify and discern resource implications for evolving practices at the University, as well as management and union proposals regarding compensation and benefits, working conditions, and other circumstances.

* Collaborates with legal counsel and other departments in preparation for and participation in negotiations with employee and labor groups using appropriate strategies and assisting with the development of bargaining goals and negotiating contracts consistent with VTSU's mission and values.

* Supports legal counsel in arbitrations and hearings related to unfair labor practice complaints and other legal proceedings.

* Maintains knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and employee relations.

* Assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate courses of action.

* Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources managers and staff regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts and practices relating to their areas.

* Trains managers and supervisors in employee relations best practices and strategies. Develops and delivers management training programs designed to advance the skills of the University employees.

* Develops and recommends Human Resources policies and procedures concerning employee relations and personnel practices.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or other closely related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years progressively responsible, professional experience in collective bargaining and labor relations activities, including two years in employee relations or its equivalent through training, education of other relevant experience.

Knowledge of:

* Principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining agreements and employment laws (state and federal);

* Human Resources practices and techniques;

* Dispute resolution and compensation administration.

Skills in:

* Effective written and oral communications, keen listening and presentation;

* Effective use of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution strategies;

* Computerized systems for word processing, spreadsheets and databases to retrieve and analyze data and/or create reports;

* Effective project and time management.

Ability to:

* Comprehend, interpret, and apply applicable laws, agreements and policies.

* Build trust with colleagues and reconcile labor and employee relations issues;

* Remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.

* Manage multiple complex matters in parallel.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions. This position will be hybrid remote with an affiliation to a campus.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at [email protected].

NOTE: This job could be subject to a fingerprint criminal background check. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.