Labor Relations Senior Specialist

Posting Details



Job # 037606 Department Code 19002-7220 Department Office of Human Resources Job Title Labor Relations Senior Specialist Location Syracuse, NY Pay Range Commensurate with Experience Staff Level S5 FLSA Status Exempt Hours
Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs. Job Type Full-time Campus Syracuse, NY Unionized Position Code Not Applicable Job Description
The Labor Relations Senior Specialist supports the administration of a positive, effective system-wide labor and employee relations program which promotes labor relations strategies. Relies on experience and sound judgment to address daily issues in the context of collective bargaining agreements and employment relationship for such unit staff. Supports the labor relations team but also works independently. The Labor Relations Senior Specialist is adept at prioritizing and meeting shifting needs, establishing strong, collaborative relationships with Union counterparts and establishing strong, trust-based relationships with management and non-management staff/faculty across the University.

The Senior Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters including performance management, discipline, and termination. Collaborates with University Leave Administrator, Office of Risk Management, Office of Equal Opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and Worker’s Compensation claims. Designs and delivers professional training to managers and supervisors. Participates in grievance and arbitration processes and conducts confidential workplace investigations. May serve on the University team at contract negotiations. Maintains comprehensive labor relations records and generates reports. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Industrial Labor Relations or related field.
• Four (4) plus years’ experience in HR, or labor and/or employee relations, or related work.
• Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting, desirable.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Human Resources and/or labor relations experience, or legal experience in labor and/or employment law.
• Knowledge of key employment and labor laws (e.g. FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, ADA, NY PFL, EEOC Regs. etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively across levels and in a cohesive team.
• Proactive self-starter; is adept at finding creative solutions to challenging issues.
• Skilled at conflict resolution, informal mediation, and negotiation.
• Must be detail-oriented, adept at multi-tasking, able to prioritize effectively, and work efficiently in a deadline driven environment.
• Ability to work independently but also function as part of a team.
• Exceptional writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Superlative communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare detailed, well written investigation reports.
• Proficiency in using PowerPoint; Microsoft Office Products, and particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels.

Responsibilities

• Administer the CBAs of the university’s unions.
• Foster and cultivate effective relationships with the University representatives and bargaining unit representatives in joint labor/management initiatives projects and forums.
• Utilizing critical thinking and fact-based analysis, provide advice, counsel and training for front line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits, and compensation.
• Provide counsel to the University management on performance management, employee discipline for union employees, as well as promotion and transfer, salary increases, and termination.
• Ensure compliance and consistent interpretation and application of the University policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions.
• In collaboration with department management, draft/update department policies.
• Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints.
• Respond to inquiries about union/management rights and application of the collective bargaining agreements, as well as a wide variety of subjects arising within the context of the employment relationship.
• May periodically address employee relations concerns for non-bargaining unit staff. Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations.
• Maintain and update labor relations log.
• Provide guidance to management on departmental restructure and organization while adhering to the CBA .
• In accordance with the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreements, perform recruitment and staffing functions including review, approval, and posting of union jobs; approval of search or other waivers; and certification of candidate outcomes for union positions. Also, participate in recruitment of non-union personnel for positions in bargaining unit areas.
• Work closely with HR’s Talent Acquisition Team to procure staffing for bargaining unit areas.
• Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives, e.g. sexual harassment training etc.
• Research, analyze, and prepare strategic documents and presentations in preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; participate in union contract negotiations.
• Run system queries, including salary reports, to prepare documentation for collective bargaining etc.; prepare Excel and other reports to demonstrate labor relations metrics; prepare spreadsheets for analysis and benchmarking, and other reports as required.
• Utilize HR personnel management system to run reports, research personnel info etc.

Physical Requirements
NA Tools/Equipment
NA Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter. About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu. About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. EEOC
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members. Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity. Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/89279 Job Posting Date 10/11/2021 Application Deadline Full Consideration By Job Category Staff Message to Applicants