Job No. 546787 Director of Employee & Labor Relations

Company: The California State University
Location: Bakersfield
Posted on: April 4, 2025

Job Description:

Job No. 546787 Director of Employee & Labor RelationsApply now Job no: 546787Work type: Management (MPP)Location: BakersfieldCategories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)UNION CODE: M80FT/PT: Full-timePAY PLAN: 12-monthWORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $9,333 - $10,417

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate's experience, education, skills, and training.CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $5,053 - $16,221PAY BASIS: MonthlyBENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 14 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicantsSPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, applications must be received by March 30, 2025; however, the position will remain open until filled.POSITION PURPOSE: The Director of Employee & Labor Relations plays a strategic and critical role in fostering a positive working environment at the University. Under the administrative direction of the Vice President for People & Culture, the Director is responsible for employee relations in promoting resolution of workplace conflicts, processing grievances, and investigating and addressing possible performance and employee conduct issues. The Director refers possible violations of the CSU Non-Discrimination Policy to the Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, and directly addresses other conduct of concern that falls outside of that policy's scope.The Director ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, relevant labor laws, and systemwide and campus policies, while providing expert guidance on a full range of complex personnel matters.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining
  • Serve as the university's representative in matters related to labor relations for staff and management employees, ensuring a collaborative relationship while complying with CBA provisions, providing guidance, and upholding university and systemwide policies.
  • Provide ongoing guidance to University administrators and supervisors on meeting responsibilities as defined by the CBA such as but no limited to, union notices, union business leaves, requests for information, and meet and confer obligations.
  • Provide advice and counsel to managers and assigned client groups on issues such as performance management, complex organizational changes, workplace climate and other related areas. Review and conduct risk assessment for employee personnel action to determine appropriate level of corrective action and discipline up to and including termination.
  • Facilitate effective communication with union representatives on issues such as grievances and contract interpretation.
  • Lead and facilitate effective and collaborative Labor Management Committee meetings and foster positive working relations with union partners.
  • Lead efforts to resolve disputes at the lowest possible level using mediation and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Oversee the grievance process for staff employees, from initial filing to final resolution, ensuring fairness and timely response.
  • Lead investigations into employee complaints, alleged employee misconduct, interpersonal conflict, and workplace culture concerns, working with staff, managers, union representatives, and legal counsel. Issue appropriate verbal and/or written responses, reports, employee counseling, and disciplinary documents, as appropriate.
  • Coordinate with Office of General Counsel and outside counsel to respond to employment litigation. Serve as a liaison between management and counsel. Assist counsel with all phases or pre-trial/trial including development of strategic direction of the case and settlement strategies. In partnership with the University Legal Counsel, participate in hearings and mediations by performing such tasks as interviewing potential witnesses, hearing preparation, and preparing exhibits.
  • Prepare comprehensive and detailed reports of investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolutions for internal and legal purposes.
  • Advise and assist management in resolving staff disputes and workplace conflicts in accordance with university policies and CBAs.
  • Refer possible violations of the CSU Non-Discrimination Policy to the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance, and directly address other conduct of concern that falls outside of that policy's scope.
  • Represent University at State Personnel Board, Unfair Labor Practice Charge hearings, and Unemployment Compensation Hearings. Negotiate settlement and separation agreements as necessary.
  • Keep current with state and federal laws and regulations through official publications and communication with appropriate agencies.Compliance & Policy Development
    • Collaborate with university leadership, stakeholders, and CSU system offices to develop and revise staff personnel policies to reflect changes in CBAs, labor laws, and university needs. Ensure appropriate policy implementation and adherence to union meet and confer obligations.
    • Communicate requirements, changes, and updates directly to individuals and groups.
    • In coordination with the Director of Organizational Excellence, design and deliver training programs for staff administrators on compliance with personnel policies, labor relations, and best practices in employee management.
    • Conduct workshops on labor relations, California Title 5 regulations, university policies, employee performance management, and dispute resolution.
    • Develop resources to assist administrators in managing employee performance and workload concerns.
    • Ensure proper documentation and retention of records.
    • Oversee maintenance of records for grievance actions, formal investigations, and complaints ensuring compliance with CBA and statutory requirements.
    • Review HR Technical letters as issued by the Chancellor's Office and HR System-wide staff to assess impact and develop implementation strategies across areas.Strategic Planning & Collaboration
      • Serve as a key advisor to the Vice President for People & Culture on all matters related to staff personnel management and labor relations.
      • Analyze trends in labor relations to inform university decision-making and promote effective labor/management relationships and problem-solving.
      • Collaborate with other departments, including the Office of Civil Rights & Compliance, Legal, and the Provost's Office, to ensure consistency in personnel management practices across the campus.
      • Evaluate and improve labor related procedures to increase efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to staff needs.
      • Develop performance metrics and reporting tools to track the effectiveness of personnel processes.
      • Implement process improvements based on feedback from staff and administrators.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in human resources management, labor relations, public administration, business administration, counseling, organizational planning/policy law, or related and at least five (5) years of human resources generalist experience or higher, which includes experience in labor management, employee relations, complaint investigation, and/or grievance handling and resolution in both union and non-union environments.LICENSES - Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA's) -
        • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
        • Strong leadership skills with the ability to advise University executives on labor-related issues.
        • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive and complex reports, concise updates, and professional presentations.
        • Knowledge of applicable CBAs and the principles, laws, and regulations related to personnel management in a collective bargaining environment.
        • Familiarity with equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and non-discrimination policies.
        • Ability to draft, revise, interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.
        • Ability to develop and facilitate training activities.
        • Proficiency in conflict resolution, with a demonstrated ability to mediate and resolve disputes in a fair and impartial manner.
        • Skills in fact-finding, analysis, problem-solving, and consulting to identify problems and recommend solutions.
        • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple investigations, grievances, and projects proactively, with little supervision, and under tight deadlines.
        • Ability to respond to sudden changes in priorities, to work effectively on complex tasks with frequent interruptions, and to work effectively both as a member of a team and individually.
        • Ability to effectively advise, counsel, negotiate and resolve sensitive, unprecedented, broad, difficult, and complex problems.
        • Ability to respect multiple perspectives, model and promote advanced listening skills, and facilitate difficult conversations.
        • Demonstrated commitment to consultative processes and consensus building.
        • Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
        • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
        • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
        • Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
        • Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
        • Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
        • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
        • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
        • Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
        • Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
        • Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
        • Must be able to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
          • Three (3) years of directly related experience in labor relations, personnel management, or similar role in higher education.
          • Certification in mediation or conflict resolution.
          • Certificate in Labor Relations Management.
          • Advanced knowledge of collective bargaining practices, especially within higher education.
          • Experience within the California State University (CSU) system or other public university systems.
          • Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: LIGHT WORK - involves mainly sitting, up to 25% standing or walking; lifting medium weight objects limited to 25 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: N/ASPECIAL CONDITIONS:SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.MANDATED REPORTER: General: The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.CONFLICT OF INTEREST: A "designated position" in the CSU's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.EEO STATEMENT: All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU Bakersfield provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. The CSU Bakersfield complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.The CSU Bakersfield is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At CSU Bakersfield, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.Advertised: Mar 14 2025 Pacific Daylight TimeApplications close:
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