Employee Relations Director jobs in Newark, NJ

POSITION: DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS

LOCATION: HUMAN RESOURCES

RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, 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. The ideal candidate will establish and maintain productive and positive relationships with union representatives and represent the University with integrity in local negotiations, grievance meetings, arbitrations, and interpretation of union contracts and University policies. The Director also ensures that management receives and understands training on labor and employee relations policies and procedures. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring the university’s programs and policies in support of Employee & Labor Relations, Section 504 of the Rehab Act as it relates to employees and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional responsibilities include working with other university compliance areas as appropriate including, but not limited to, General Counsel, Environmental Health and Safety, EEO 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.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs the assessment of operational employee and labor relations issues and concerns and the provision of responsive and effective advice and guidance to University managers.
• Responsible for interpretation and application of laws, procedures, policies, precedents, and collective bargaining agreement provisions. 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.
• Manage the University’s labor relations administration and negotiations, including in the areas of labor agreement interpretation and compliance, grievances, procedures, discipline and matters before GOER the Public Employee Relations Commission.
• Serve as the University’s representative in prosecuting disciplinary matters and defending against grievances.
• Assesses and recommends appropriate human resource policies and processes to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources.
• 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 relations issues and the progressive disciplinary process; serves as a resource for employees for conflict resolution and implementation of the grievance process; ensures that grievances and other personnel matters are investigated and resolved appropriately.
• Provide coaching to supervisors and managers as it relates to difficult labor-related issues; works with colleagues to identify and create innovative solutions to solve and prevent problems.
• Provides counsel to supervisors and managers on performance related issues, including the development and administration of performance improvement plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Human Resources, or related field..
• 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.
• Minimum five years’ of increasingly responsible experience in arbitrations, contract interpretation, investigations, employee/labor relations, and alternative dispute resolution in a unionized environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred.
• Knowledge of NJ Civil Service rules.
• Demonstrated experience in a unionized public sector higher education setting.

New Jersey City University is an equal opportunity institution encouraging a diverse pool of applicants.

New Jersey City University is a Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus. For the health of our employees, students and visitors, smoking, vaping, and tobacco use is not permitted on campus. This includes all buildings, grounds and parking lots.

SAME Applicants: Candidates applying under the New Jersey “SAME” program, must include a Schedule A or B letter with other supporting documents (resume, proof of degree, etc.) by the closing date indicated above. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (833) 691-0404

We offer a competitive Compensation and Benefits Package

Cut-Off Date for Filing Applications: OPEN UNTIL FILLED