Labor Relations Director jobs in Modesto, CA

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $92,300-$175,700. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $130,000 - $150,000.

Work Modality: Hybrid.

Applications will be reviewed as received. This posting is expected to close on April 30, 2024.

Relocation funds may be available for this position.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the ELR Director works in a highly collaborative manner and is responsible for administering human resource policies and procedures, recommending, developing, and implementing employee relations programs, interpreting labor contracts, providing counsel regarding employee and labor relations matters at all levels of the organization, including HR staff. Responsible for managing the campus performance management program, grievance and complaint resolution program, corrective action, negotiation preparation, and managing and overseeing large-scale programs and initiatives.

In collaboration with senior leadership, develops and implements Labor Relations objectives, bargaining strategies, serves on or oversees employees serving on system-wide or local bargaining teams, and facilitates ongoing communication with union representatives to maintain effective working relationships. Makes written recommendations to the CHRO to change existing policies and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of the employee and labor relations unit and manages and oversees the implementation of recommendations. Exercises sound judgment within defined policies or procedures to determine appropriate action.

Effectively interacts with HR Directors and professionals, Senior Leaders, Supervisors, and Managers across the organization. Establishes objectives and determines how to use employee and labor relations resources and best practices to meet schedules and goals. Provides effective leadership and guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established policies and CBAs. ELR Director is responsible for exercising strong judgment in interpreting and administering labor contracts and applicable personnel and University policies. Manages the development and implementation of recommended changes to policies and procedures. Represents the campus on systemwide labor negotiations and acts as Chief Negotiator for local bargaining. Participates in Protest Oversight Committee and other campus and systemwide committees and workgroups. Responsible for influencing and formulating recommendations that have a significant effect on campus operations and that are legally enforceable.

Assists other campus compliance units with complex investigations and multi-forum complaint and grievance matters, including Whistleblower, Internal Audit, Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Represents campus in collaboration with other compliance units in formal charges filed in a variety of forums such as PERB, CRD, EEOC and in mediations and arbitrations.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Law, or related area.
• Minimum of five (5) years of directly, related, progressively responsible experience in Employee or Labor Relations, HR Management, Conflict Resolution, or 9 years of equivalent experience as indicated.
• JD degree is preferred.

Critical Experience, Knowledge, and Competencies:

• Experience with formal Grievance Process, Arbitration, and CBA management.
• Provides effective professional written analyses and oral presentations to management.
• Has thorough knowledge of labor/employment law and the principles and techniques of effective negotiations and communication.
• Must be aware of the dynamics associated with each negotiation to effectively represent the Campus's interests.
• Knowledge of other areas with human resources function including compensation, employee relations, employee accommodations and employee benefits.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of advocacy, and applicable employment state and federal laws and court decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively.
• Recognizes issues that have organizational impact or future implications and advises manager appropriately.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:

The University of California Merced has engaged Another Source to lead this search. TO VIEW POSTING AND APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION DIRECTLY AT https://careers-anothersource.icims.com/jobs/101526/university-employee-and-labor-relations-manager/job?mode=job&iis=SOURCE&iisn=EmployerWebsite

An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/