Job Posting
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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.
The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President
Department Overview
The Office of the President Labor Relations (OPLR) – also known as Systemwide Labor Relations – is responsible for negotiating and administering 15 systemwide labor agreements and 22 local agreements with 17 unions covering over 134,000 academic and staff employees across the UC system. This includes bargaining on first contracts, successor contracts, accretion, impacts and effects bargaining, mid-term modifications and the sunshine process. Administering the systemwide and local collective bargaining agreements also involves contract interpretation, contract implementation, grievance processing, handling formal requests for information, collaboration and coordination with Systemwide Human Resources departments, union communication, and providing training, advice and counsel to local labor relations staff across the system. Other key components that fall within the scope of OPLR include monitoring and ensuring compliance with bargaining agreements and legislation regarding contracting out services. OPLR collaborates closely with key partners within UCOP Including the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on labor-related litigation activity, the Office of State Governmental Relations (SGR) in representing the University’s position on legislative, budgetary and policy matters concerning labor relations and collective bargaining, and the Strategic Communications and Media Relations team to respond to media inquiries and develop messaging on labor relations and collective Bargaining matters for internal and external stakeholders.
Position Summary
High-level Labor Relations professional who provides expert labor relations support and guidance to labor relations professionals throughout the organization, regularly interfaces with labor organization/union leaders, and utilizes specialized labor relations expertise to respond to grievances and information requests as well as identify and resolve highly complex labor relations issues in meaningful and effective ways. Expected to be a self-starter and to work independently and/or with little direct supervision at a high-level as well as offer creative solutions to complex issues. Works in an effective and collaborative manner with diverse stakeholders (internal and external) across the organization. Able to work independently, effectively manage time, and effectively execute job duties (producing superior outcomes) both in-person and remotely. Advanced oral and written communication skills (including an understanding and command of labor relations terminology and legal concepts) are essential to this role. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate. (There are 2 positions available.)
Key Responsibilities
30% Labor-Management Relations --Develop and maintain appropriate union-management relations through informal and formal oral and written communications with union representatives. Respond to union request for information, such as providing salary data, policy information; determine which type(s) of information can or cannot be released by reviewing relevant records laws, campus practices, and HEERA. Effectively conduct labor management meetings by determining management's objectives, developing and reviewing agendas, and researching past practice as needed. Respond as appropriate to union demands and assure follow up with management, including implementation of agreed upon items. Provide notice to union representatives as required by HEERA, past practice as determined by University management. Review proposed policy, procedural and work-related changes to determine notice requirements.
40% Contract Negotiations and Administration --Act as the University’s grievance hearing officer at the designated step of various labor contracts; evaluate the grievances, investigate relevant matters presented by the grievance, draft and issue written grievance responses, and ensure that actions taken are in compliance with the applicable contractual provisions .Provide interpretations of collective-bargaining agreements to departments and managers and assist with general administration of collective bargaining agreements. Draft decision memoranda with clear and concise recitation of the facts, applicable law or contract provisions, appropriate analysis, and recommendations for courses of action. Contribute to the development and execution of collective-bargaining strategies including, but not limited to, contract negotiations and the development of University proposals. Serve as a spokesperson during contract negotiations as necessary. Assist during contract negotiations by maintaining notes, drafting and managing proposals, managing information requests, and drafting and managing requests for bargaining authority. Collaborate with negotiators to identify issues and possible responses associated with bargaining– both in advance of negotiations for strategic planning and during negotiations as new issues arise. Represent System-wide Labor Relations and provide high-level assistance to campus clients during local contract negotiations. Chair and/or co-chair committee and collaborative meetings with labor relations leaders across the system as needed. Develop training materials relative to contract interpretation, administration, and compliance. Coordinate and manage systemwide communications and the collection of data relative to labor relations and contract interpretation, administration, and compliance.
20% Interdepartmental/Systemwide Collaboration --Collaborate with University attorneys and outside counsel concerning matters in dispute and assist with developing and recommending strategies and options for dispute resolution including, but not limited to, side-agreements and settlement agreements. Draft side agreements and settlement agreements. Assist with drafting briefing documents and memoranda for presentation to key stakeholders.Participate in grievance, arbitration and unfair labor practice proceedings as necessary and assigned.
10% Maintain and research files and labor relations law regarding past practices, prior arbitration awards, trends in employment practices, and legal precedents for proposed actions. Perform all other duties as assigned.
Experience
Required Qualifications
Minimum 8 Years Related Experience
Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications
Possesses advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of organizational policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the organization.
Has advanced knowledge of labor/employment law and the principles and techniques of labor negotiations.
Demonstrates strong communication skills both written and oral that will be reflected in contract negotiations, drafting contract language, responding to union information requests and union grievances, decision memoranda, briefing documents, and all other written materials.
Demonstrates strong quantitative skills and an ability to use Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Ability to effectively and professionally use video-conferencing platforms and applications. Must be able to work independently, effectively manage time, effectively communicate, and produce superior work product in an in-person or remote work environment.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the principles of advocacy in order to represent the organization in complex and sensitive dispute forums.
Has working knowledge of applicable state and federal labor laws and administrative decisions regarding labor relations related matters.
Possesses specialized knowledge within labor relations field.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrates skills necessary to bargain and represent the organization's interests effectively.
Education
Required Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in a related area such as Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, or Public Administration with a minimum of 8 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
A Masters Degree and/or Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA Accredited law school.
Travel Requirements
30% Extensive travel required within California for collective bargaining sessions and occasional meetings.
Job Title
Labor Relations Representative 4
Job Code
000495
Salary Grade
Grade 24
Payscale:
$130,000 - $158,000
The University of California, Office of the President, 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 shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.
Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.
HOW TO APPLY
Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The first review date for this job is August 30, 2024. The position will be open until filled.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP
Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
EEO STATEMENT
The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
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