Academic Labor Relations Specialist

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life.

Academic Affairs is the central administrative office, with responsibility for the institutional academic mission, programming and policy implementation, support programs for academic personnel and students, strategic enrollment management, academic fiscal management, and collective bargaining with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-PSU Chapter), the Portland State University Faculty Association (PSUFA), and the Graduate Employee Union (GEU). Academic Affairs is guided by the Provost who serves as chief academic officer of the university.

About the role

This position serves as a high-level, professional, and confidential Labor Relations Specialist supporting the work of the Vice Provost for Faculty Success (VPFS) and the Director of Academic Labor Relations (DALR). Additionally, this position works in collaboration with the Director of Faculty Affairs & Academic Personnel (DFAAP). As a member of the Academic Employee and Labor Relations (AELR) team in the Office of Academic Affairs, the Academic Labor Relations Specialist uses professional methodologies and best practices to provide direct support to campus in handling employee & labor relations matters that may include coaching, educating, and guiding managers through informal and formal processes involving performance management, progressive discipline, dispute resolution, grievance processing, effective communication, policy compliance, and workplace interventions.

This is a 12-month, unclassified, unrepresented position. Responsibilities are performed in both a diverse team environment, as well as independently and require excellent communication skills, independent initiative, judgment, and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Support the Vice Provost for Faculty Success (VPFS) and the Director of Academic Labor Relations (DALR) in labor relations matters.
• Collaborate with the Director of Faculty Affairs & Academic Personnel (DFAAP).
• Provide direct support to campus in handling employee and labor relations matters, including coaching, educating, and guiding managers through informal and formal processes.
• Assist with performance management, progressive discipline, dispute resolution, grievance processing, effective communication, policy compliance, and workplace interventions.
• Perform responsibilities in a diverse team environment as well as independently, requiring excellent communication skills, initiative, judgment, and discretion.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree.
• Experience in office administration.
• Ability to understand and maintain the confidentiality of all transactions and communications.
• Excellent time management and the ability to multi-task and prioritize a high volume of work in a detail-oriented environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with labor relations, unions, or human resources or higher education environments.
• Knowledge of the application of collective bargaining agreements, laws, and regulations governing the academic employee and labor relations process.
• Experience and/or certification in legal transcription.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, typically 8am to 5pm, with occasional weekends and evenings as needed.

Pay

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. The starting annual salary for this position will be between $61,620 and $65,500, but may be negotiated above this range, dependent upon experience, applicable skills, market parity, and internal equity.

Benefits

• 95% premium paid healthcare.
• Generous retirement and vacation package.
• Reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.