Human Resources, in partnership with the University community, supports the mission of Wesleyan University by providing services and programs that attract, develop, and retain a highly qualified and diverse workforce. The Director of Labor and Employee Relations reports to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.

The position is specifically responsible for employee and labor relations including contract negotiations for the University’s four bargaining units (Physical Plant, Public Safety, Secretary/Clerical, and Residential Life RA’s) and addressing general as well as performance or conduct concerns for the non-union staff population. It also plays a lead role in advancing the university’s employee engagement strategies.

This position is a member of the HR leadership team and will work on campus with an option for hybrid work no sooner than 6 months from the date of hire. Remote work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY, NJ. Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify. Flexibility in working hours is sometimes needed based on the work schedules of union staff. The majority of work directly with the union is done on campus.

Labor and Employee Relations

• Provide guidance to senior leaders, managers, administrative and bargaining unit staff for employee and labor relations.
• Serve as subject matter expert for the interpretation of HR policy, applicable law, and the University’s union contracts.
• Manage and serve as primary point of contact for labor contract negotiations.
• Research and develop University proposals, analyze cost impact, and draft revised agreements.
• Ensure the implementation of labor agreements and work collaboratively with Payroll and Finance to ensure accuracy of contract provisions into university systems.
• Participate in labor/management meetings.
• Oversee the grievance process and work collaboratively with unions to address issues at pre-grievance level.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with union stewards and business agents.
• Consult with supervisors on performance plans and documentation of corrective action, ensuring fair, effective, and legal processes.
• Provide consultation and guidance to recruitment colleagues for bargaining unit positions and assist with the recruitment process for these positions as needed.
• Provide education for supervisors and management staff on successful strategies for working with bargaining unit staff.
• Develop policies and processes related to performance improvement plans and resolution of administrative staff concerns.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and senior leaders on complex employee relations issues.
• Actively engage with and support administrative staff and supervisors through challenging performance conversations.
• Develop and conduct professional development opportunities for supervisors and staff members on topics related to functional area.
• Lead investigations into administrative staff complaints. Collaborate with the Associate VP for HR and General Counsel as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and metrics related to labor and employee relations issues.
  Partner with Equity and Inclusion colleagues to conduct Title IX and other conduct related investigations.

Employee Engagement

• Collaborates with university partners to promote a culture of engagement, inclusion and belonging across the campus community.
• Collaborates with the Associate VP for HR and other university partners to develop and implement strategies to measure and improve engagement and retention of staff.
• Conduct exit interviews and use data to inform ways to address trends.

HR Operations

• Provide leadership to help achieve the mission of Human Resources.
• Ensure timely and thorough communication to the Associate Vice President for HR regarding labor and employee relations concerns.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in the University’s HRIS system.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Federal and state regulations related to functional areas.

Other

• Special projects as assigned.
• Represent the HR department on university committees as requested.
• Actively engage with the University community by attending University activities/events as requested.
• Attend professional development opportunities to strengthen personal knowledge in specific content areas.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in labor and employee relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Successful experience with union negotiations and working collaboratively with bargaining units and union representatives.

Experience developing and implementing union contract proposals.

Experience managing and mitigating grievances.

Experience developing training materials on topics related to employee and labor relations and performance management.

Experience administering and documenting performance management plans.

Experience maintaining metrics and making data informed recommendations.

Experience conducting HR investigations and managing performance and conduct issues.

Experience developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives.

Proven ability to assist others to problem solve and resolve conflicts.

Exceptional communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations at all levels of an organization.

Ability to analyze and interpret Human Resources policies and practices.

Demonstrated record of assessing current practices, identifying improvements, and achieving successful outcomes.

Demonstrated knowledge of current employment laws and regulations.

Demonstrated knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Must be able to work flexible hours, particularly during contract negotiations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience responding to union organizing and first contracts.

Knowledge of Title IX regulations.

Proficiency in Workday.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to:  Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-2520.