CII - Senior Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

About the role

The Office of Human Resources, Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) develops and implements policies, practices, and procedures, and assists in ensuring that they are administered consistently and fairly throughout the campus and according to law. The department is currently recruiting candidates to join the Employee and Labor Relations Team.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert guidance to customers of all levels on compliance with local, state, and federal employment and labor laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with university human resources representatives, managers, union officers, and employees.
• Advises managers on performance management processes including Performance Improvement Plans, action plans, corrective and disciplinary actions, and administration of the annual Performance Management Program.
• Interprets policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal regulations.
• Develops and implements campus wide training.
• Provides high-level conflict resolution consultation between employees and management to address workplace disputes.
• Develops and delivers training programs for supervisors and staff on Employee and Labor Relations topics, such as performance management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and understanding collective bargaining agreements.
• Monitors overall work environment for client groups and relations between Supervisors and Staff, identifying potential issues before they escalate into serious conflicts and/ or disputes.
• Assists with collective bargaining negotiations with unions over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment.
• Conducts exit interviews and related employee experience assessments and generate reports summarizing key themes and insights from exit interviews, pulse surveys, and post-hire focus groups.
• Participates in various Employee and Labor Relations projects and initiatives, such as performance management, training, and employee engagement activities.
• Generates reports and analytics from the case management system to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of Employee and Labor Relations strategies, and inform decision-making processes within the Employee and Labor Relations department.
• Manages the grievance process from receipt through resolution for assigned cases.
• Responds to and prepares management for unemployment claims, grievances, and administrative hearings, including assembling documentation, providing information, and presenting the University's position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in human resources with at least two (2) years focusing on employee and/or labor relations, including mediation, policy development or interpretation, applicable personnel law, or other related business experience.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and employment laws.
• Demonstrated ability to research and apply evolving requirements as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust with employees and management, fostering strong and effective working relationships.
• Exercises a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment while working independently and collaboratively across diverse stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, staff, and union leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking and the ability to clearly convey thoughts, ideas, and facts.
• Ability to maintain accurate, organized records and produce clear, thorough written work.
• Ability to conduct thorough, objective, and impartial workplace investigations, including planning the investigation, gathering and evaluating evidence, reaching sound conclusions, and providing sound recommendations.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, with a strong understanding of labor law and human resources practices.
• Strong working knowledge of computers, applicable technology systems, and software, particularly Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Knowledge of the Maryland State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Public Employee Relations Act (state collective bargaining framework) is preferred.
• Stays up to date with changes in labor laws, trends in employee relations, and best practices in the field to ensure the organization's policies and practices remain current and effective.

Skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to identify and evaluate problems, balance and achieve multiple priorities, and devise timely and effective solutions in a fast-paced work environment.
• Case management experience in employee and/or labor relations functions.

Benefits

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Pay

Hiring Range: $97,000 - $107,662, Commensurate with education and experience

Schedule

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Shift Day Job