Labor Relations Liaison

The City of Richmond Office of Strategic Communications & Civic Engagement is currently seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Labor Relations Liaison. The selected individual will be responsible for supporting the City's mission to provide timely and accurate information to the public and internal audiences on collective bargaining endeavors. Efforts will include creating and developing content for and managing internal and external communications and other collateral materials for dissemination to the City's stakeholder groups.

The Labor Relations Liaison is a regular, full-time position that reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and Civic Engagement. The Labor Relations Liaison is responsible for working in a fast-paced environment to plan and implement communications strategies for the organization’s collective bargaining units. The successful candidate will support the creation of strategic plans, draft communications materials (such as talking points, op-eds, press releases, and more), and serve as the collective bargaining spokesperson for the organization when needed.

• Work with Labor Relations/Human Resources staff to assist in the development of collective bargaining messaging, communications plans, website copy, and promotional materials as needed.
• Provide support, planning, and strategy for collective bargaining communications projects. 
• Monitor the website for regular consistent content.
• Write, edit, and design regular brochures, newsletters, and other communications related to important worksite issues and programs pertaining to collective bargaining and the various bargaining units.
• Serve as a liaison between Human Resources and Strategic Communications to ensure consistent and accurate messaging related to collective bargaining and efforts surrounding the bargaining units.
• Communicate effectively with managers, executives, and union representatives daily to create a positive working environment.
• Coordinate with HR and other departments to create and sustain positive employee relations and facilitate effective communications between employees and management.
• Develop and present informational briefings for management to improve understanding of labor relations and promote improved contract and management solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, multitasking, organizational, researching/interviewing, writing, editing, and grammar skills.
• Strong electronic media and social media knowledge and competency.
• Confident and positive communicator and public speaker.
• Self-starter with the ability to work under pressure independently and as part of a team.
• An excellent writer who can quickly understand and articulate what employees know, feel, and do.
• Ability to understand what form and communication style should be used for different audiences.
• Ability to communicate directly and respectfully, gaining the confidence of our internal business partners.
• Highly adaptable and able to drive progress amid ambiguity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
This position requires considerable computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Drupal or basic HTML for entering content on the website, and Intranet is required.
 
Must possess the ability to think strategically, manage time effectively, multi-task, and problem solve. Must write and communicate effectively with internal and external clients at all levels and react and adapt to situations related to developments and changes in labor relations and collective bargaining.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERINCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field required.
• Prior experience in a labor relations role required with coaching, counseling, or leadership experience highly desired.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP a plus.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

• May require a valid Driver's License or a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of experience in communications, human resources, employee relations and labor relations.
• Two years of experience with writing agency communications.

Salary : $49,712 - $74,526