Employee and Labor Relations Program Manager

About the role

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, CalPERS is a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. The organization is committed to people – those it serves, its team members, and the surrounding community. Located near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, CalPERS offers competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

CalPERS seeks a strategic, collaborative, and highly skilled leader to guide complex labor relations work that supports its mission and workforce. In this role you will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key representative in grievance resolution and labor‑management strategy. You will bring deep expertise in collective bargaining, contract administration, and employee relations, along with the judgment and political acumen needed to navigate sensitive and complex issues with confidence and professionalism. Anticipated in‑person interviews begin the week of October 12, 2026. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship, and CalPERS does not participate in E‑Verify. Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) provides a 3 percent pay reduction in exchange for 5 hours of PLP leave credits monthly; the advertised salary range does not reflect this reduction.

Requirements

All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your application package to demonstrate how you meet the MQs. If using education to meet MQs, include transcripts. Degrees