Director of Labor Relations
Salary: $91,267 - $102,667
Classification: Administrative/Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director of Human Resources
Priority Consideration to those who apply by October 14, 2024.
The Director of Labor Relations at Olympic College is responsible for managing the college’s labor relations strategy, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and fostering positive relationships with employee unions. The position negotiates and administers labor contracts, resolves disputes, and conducts or coordinates internal employee investigations across various issues, not limited to labor matters. Key outcomes include the successful negotiation of fair agreements, timely resolution of grievances, and proactive management of labor relations to support workforce stability and engagement.
The primary responsibilities of the Director of Labor Relations at Olympic College include:
- Negotiating and administering labor contracts to ensure fair and sustainable agreements that support both the college's operational needs and employee well-being.
- Resolving labor disputes and grievances through effective communication and mediation, maintaining a stable and engaged workforce.
- Conducting or coordinating internal employee investigations across various issues, ensuring thorough, impartial, and timely resolution of matters that could impact employee relations and college operations.
- Advising college leadership on labor relations strategies, trends, and risks, contributing to informed decision-making and policy development.
- Training other college leaders on labor relations laws, rules, and strategies, including collective bargaining agreements, to ensure they are well-informed and can effectively manage their teams within legal and contractual boundaries.
- Drafting memorandums of understanding (MOUs), grievance responses, agreements, and other binding documents to ensure clarity, legal compliance, and alignment with college policies.
- Analyzing labor relations data and preparing reports for college leadership to inform strategic decision-making and improve labor relations practices.
- Engaging and communicating with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, to ensure transparency and understanding of labor relations policies and actions.
- Playing a key role in labor relations crisis management, preparing for and responding to strikes, walkouts, or other critical labor actions to minimize disruption and resolve issues effectively.
- Staying current with changes in labor laws, best practices, and trends in labor relations, pursuing ongoing professional development and certifications relevant to the field.
- Creating equitable approaches to labor relations, agreements, proposals, and policies that support the college's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ensuring fair treatment and representation of all employee groups.
- Collaborating with Human Resources and other departments to ensure labor relations practices align with the college’s mission and legal requirements.
- Maintaining relationships with the Washington State Office of Financial Management's Labor Relations Section, the Attorney General's Office, and other external partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment with state policies and effective external communication.
- Maintaining confidentiality in all labor relations and investigation matters, protecting the privacy of individuals and the integrity of the college's processes.
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements to mitigate risks and protect the college's interests.
- Assisting in other Human Resources functions as needed, providing support and expertise to ensure the overall effectiveness of the HR department.
Required Education:- A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Legal Studies, Law, or a related field. Significant, relevant experience in labor relations, including union-side experience, may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
Required Experience:- Several years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, including experience in negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and handling grievances. Qualifying experience may include, but is not limited to, work as a union steward, union representative, HR professional with direct labor relations responsibilities.
- Experience working within the public sector. Work in a union representing public (state, county, municipal) employees may also qualify.
- Experience as a union representative or leader is desired, but not required, and may substitute for any management experience required.
Preferred/Desired Education:- A master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, legal studies, law related field, or other related field.
Preferred/Desired Experience:- Extensive experience in negotiating and/or managing complex Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with multiple unions.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic labor relations planning and policy development.
- Experience on the union side as a negotiator, steward, representative, or in another union leadership role.
- Certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Special Requirements:While the relationship with unions at Olympic College is generally cordial, work in labor relations may place the incumbent in confrontational situations, including aggressive or combative negotiations, collective action events, or other situations involving conflict. Candidates should be comfortable navigating conflict, shifting deadlines and demands, showmanship, and competing interests. This position will have access to confidential and sensitive material including but not limited to draft proposals, privileged communications, personnel information, and medical information. Discretion and commitment to protecting confidential information is critical function of this position.
Terms of EmploymentThis is a Full-time exempt position scheduled to work Monday through Friday. The salary for this position is $91,267 - $102,667 annually, which includes a generous benefits package that includes the following:
Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, SBRP retirement plan administered by TIAA, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, 11 paid holidays, leave – vacation/sick/personal holiday, Aflac, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration on-site child care on a space available.
For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.
Conditions of Employment- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327.
- Olympic College seeks candidates for employment who share our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment (read our Equity Statement). All applicants are required to submit a statement of 500 words or less, describing the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education environment and their prior, current, and/or potential contribution(s) to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as an employee.
How To ApplyTo be considered for this position a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:
- Olympic College Online Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter - in your cover letter describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.
- Unofficial college transcripts. Official transcripts and copies of mandated certifications will be required of the successful candidate.
EEO StatementOlympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Olympic College provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and accommodation policies: HRticket@olympic.edu. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.
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