General Summary: 

Reporting to the Executive Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Manager will have primary duties that include the resolution of grievances pertaining to collective bargaining agreements, employee concerns and potential disciplinary matters. The incumbent will administer human resources policies and procedures; and will provide support and guidance to managers and employees when employee discipline may be warranted. This position will participate in collective bargaining and impact bargaining with University Unions; and will provide guidance in the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and University policies and procedures. The position will be the first point of contact for various departments on labor relations issues.

Examples of Duties: 

• Research current labor and employee relations policies, procedures and best practices and provide information to the Executive for review/consideration;
• Serve as project manager, as assigned, for any new departmental initiatives;
• Participate with other employee/labor relations professionals in formal and informal labor-management meetings with bargaining units for discussion and resolution of issues of mutual concern;
• Provide updates to the Executive Director of Labor Relations on outstanding grievances and disciplinary cases; prepare written responses and reports on other Labor and Employee relations issues as assigned by the Executive Director of Labor Relations;
• Work independently and/or collaboratively in investigating, developing, and preparing witnesses, documentation and back-up information for grievances, arbitrations and other employee relations matters;
• Serve as employer spokesperson in labor-management meetings;
• Serve as employee relations/labor management relations representative on committees, as assigned;
• Responsible for reviewing employee grievances and work to resolve issues; meet with relevant employee(s) and supervisor(s); gather information and evaluate allegations; serve as hearing officer, as directed;
• Ensure adherence to and compliance with contractual requirements in conducting disciplinary hearings;
• Support managers in issuing notices of discipline, drafting and approving same for managers as appropriate;
• Provide guidance to managers and employees on the interpretation of provisions of the collective bargaining agreements;
• Provide support to managers and supervisors on evaluating potential disciplinary matters, counseling employees and developing performance improvement plans;
• Serving as a University representative in union contract negotiations including drafting and vetting proposals, building management consensus on bargaining positions, and acting as a co- or lead spokesperson;
• Partner with HR colleagues to effectively implement cross-functional solutions to common concerns;
• Participate and deliver labor and employee relations training on the campus; and,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor's Degree, and a minimum of three-five years of experience in employee relations, labor relations, human resources and/or paralegal required.

• Knowledge of the general principles of labor/employee relations, methods, practices, and techniques of collective bargaining; 
• Knowledge of federal and state labor and employee relations laws;
• Knowledge of administrative software applications, Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn and  use other software applications and database tools as required;
• Able to analyze labor relations issues, obtain relevant information through fact finding and research, identify solutions/recommendations and provide timely advice;
• Ability to accurately manage sensitive and confidential information;
• Ability to research, compile and analyze information and prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence;
• Ability to maintain composure during stressful/ intense interactions with others;
• Ability to prioritize assignments and work independently, with limited supervision;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with deadlines and with strong attention to detail;
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, applying and interpreting contracts, regulations, guidelines and procedures;
• Ability to take initiative and to work both independently and within a team setting;
• Ability to multitask in a fast paced environment;
• Ability to present materials in a coherent and  persuasive manner;
• Ability to interact effectively with people of diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
• Ability to handle sensitive employee-related information;
• Skill in negotiation and persuasiveness, with the ability to generate consensus and reconcile differences;
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, organizational and project management skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong judgment and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• J.D. or master’s degree in business, industrial relations, and/or conflict resolution
• Experience in drafting and presenting proposals in bargaining
• Experience in the public sector
• Experience in higher education

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references. 

This is a non-union exempt position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.