University of Delaware

PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Employee & Labor Relations, the Senior Employee and Labor Relations Specialist will assist in managing and enhancing employee relations programs and labor relations strategies. The Senior Employee and Labor Relations Specialist will work as a strategic thought partner and advisor, ensuring that the human capital goals of the various colleges are aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the University. This position acts as a subject matter expert on University HR policies, procedures and best practices including fundamentals of all core areas of human resources for The University. The Senior Employee and Labor Relations Specialist will advise leadership in the innovation, revision, and maintenance of comprehensive HR strategy, focusing on employee engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a point of contact for managers and/or employees’ concerns, including, but not limited to employee conflict, performance management, employee discipline, and grievances; advises both employees and management regarding applicable policies, procedures, and best practices; researches, identifies, and analyzes specific employee and labor relations concerns and makes appropriate recommendations, ensuring compliance with policies and legal requirements.
• Partners with Leadership and the Employee and Labor Relations team to conduct workplace investigations; acts as a neutral party through all aspects of an investigation and ensures a prompt, fair, and neutral process. Assists with preparation of investigatory reports detailing matters clearly and concisely, along with suggestions for corrective actions.
• Reviews informal complaints brought by non-union employees by gathering information, facilitating discussions, and addressing concerns through resolution or escalation.
• Facilitates resolutions through effective communication and mediation.
• Develops and manages relationships with labor unions, handles grievances, assists with contract negotiations, and interprets collective bargaining agreements.
• Conducts and/or participates in exit interviews and stay interviews. Monitors trends across departments and reports findings to the Senior Director of Employee & Labor Relations.
• Ensures that employee relations cases, and other tracked data, are entered into the tracking database along with corresponding documentation.
• Conducts research on applicable laws and regulations. Brings compliance-related concerns to the attention of the Senior Director.
• Provides advice regarding performance management/disciplinary procedures and other personnel policies.
• Prepares reports related to employee and labor relations, compiles and analyzes data and trends.
• Serves as Designee for the Employee & Labor Relations Manager/Director as needed.
• In conjunction with the Employee and Labor Relations team, provides ongoing in-service training related to University policies, administrative procedures, and state and federal mandates and improves University effectiveness by providing training in supervisory/management skills to include coaching, performance management, discipline and grievance handling.
• Interprets the Collective Bargaining Agreements as well as Personnel Policies and the Faculty Handbook.
• Collaborates with management to promote employee engagement.
• Attends meetings, serves on select working groups and provides back-up support as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and five years of directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional Certification in Human Resources preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of employee and labor relations; grievance/conflict resolution; and mediation/ alternative dispute resolution.
• Knowledge of the applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Experience conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA and experience in advising managers and staff.
• Excellent consultative, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interpret legal provisions, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and present training programs and materials.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Power Point, Excel, Word, Access, etc.).
• Experience in a higher education environment preferred.