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New Jersey Institute of Technology Director, Employee and Labor Relations in Newark, New Jersey

Title:

Director of Employee and Labor Relations

Department:

Human Resources

Reports to:

Interim Assistant Vice President for Human Resource Partnerships

Position Type:

Staff

Position Summary:

The Director of Employee and Labor Relations serves as a key member of the Human Resources (HR) leadership team and is responsible for leading and overseeing Employee & Labor Relations functions for approximately 2,200 employee and 8 collective bargaining units. The incumbent establishes and maintains productive and positive relationships with union representatives and oversees labor contract negotiations, grievance meetings, and interpretation of union contracts and University policies. The Director also ensures that management receives and understands training on collective bargaining agreement language and labor and employee relations policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities include working with other university compliance areas as appropriate, such as General Counsel and Title IX. The Director will oversee the employee relations function for the university, which includes dispute resolution, investigations, and working with managers in creating positive and inclusive working environments and resolving key performance problems. The incumbent will monitor the implementation of university employment policies and advise the university community on current and best practices in the areas of Labor and Employee Relations. For the purposes of personnel management, performance assessment, and span of control, the Director, Employee and Labor Relations directly supervises two Labor Relations Partners.

Essential Functions:

  • Leads the employee and labor relations function within the Human Resources Division and acts as a primary university liaison with union leaders.

  • Responsible for the interpretation and application of laws, procedures, policies, precedents, and collective bargaining agreement provisions across the university. Ensures appropriate communications and training is provided for employees and supervisors in the areas of campus policy, employee relations, labor relations, collective bargaining issues, etc.

  • Serves as the lead negotiator and directs the collective bargaining process with labor unions while ensuring collaboration and buy-in by senior university leaders and other key stakeholders.-

  • Assesses and recommends appropriate human resource policies and processes, to include Department, University, and University System policies and procedures and provides guidance as to how legal and policy changes interact with collective bargaining agreement language

  • Ensures effective representation of the University at hearings and other administrative processes involved with employee and labor relations matters, unemployment, workers compensation and related matters.

  • Oversees investigations and reports on complaints from employees to ensure fair and equitable treatment; mediates disputes whenever possible, and follows cases to conclusion. Advises managers on employee relation issues and the progressive disciplinary process; resources for employees for conflict resolutions and implementation of the grievance process; ensures that grievances and other personnel matters are investigated and resolved appropriately.

  • Develops strong relationships with managers and line supervisors; serves as a coach in managing difficult labor-related issues; works with colleagues to identify and create innovative solutions to solve and prevent problems.

  • Oversees day-to-day office activities involving employee relations and complaints, sexual harassment claim investigations, FMLA, ADA accommodations and resolution to other employee related issues. Serves as a deputy Title IX officer.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

    Prerequisite Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of related experience.

  • Strong creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated commitment to and proficiency in customer service culture. High levels of integrity and ability to navigate incredibly complex and sensitive employment matters.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Demonstrated experience in MS Office Suite, Google Suites and HRIS Systems.

  • At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree.

  • SHRM or HRCI certification

-Higher Education Experience

Bargaining Unit:

Non-Aligned

Range/Band:

7

FLSA:

Exempt

Full-Time

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