Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

About the role

The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist position at Stanford University is responsible for contributing to all areas of employee and labor relations university-wide. Key duties include interpreting and drafting policy/contract language, adjudicating background check matters, providing guidance on corrective actions, separations, and grievances, and conducting investigations and drafting reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage local efforts in coordination with legal counsel related to non-routine or moderately complex employment matters, litigation, and government agency charges.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
• Manage all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions of employment disputes.
• Manage accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding reductions in workforce, terminations, or corrective action.
• Facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
• Act as an objective and confidential intermediary for employees and supervisors.
• Manage conflict resolution, mediation facilitation, problem solving, and negotiation with/between supervisors and employees.
• Provide guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees on university policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Design and deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and local human resource managers pertaining to employee relations and related compliance (e.g., training regarding policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
• Manage the development of policies, processes, and communications applicable university-wide.
• Manage collective bargaining agreements for a school/unit or university-wide basis, as assigned, including facilitating contract negotiations, responding to grievances and information requests on behalf of the university, and assisting with arbitrations.
• Research trends and practices in labor/employee relations - report on findings, propose and develop programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university.
• Conduct investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution meetings as needed.
• Adjudicate background check issues.
• Manage the Protection of Minors program, policies, and processes university-wide.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, labor law, organizational behavior, or other related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required: Intermediate to advanced knowledge regarding employee and labor relations, the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal employment laws. Working knowledge of Employment Retirement Income Security Act requirements. Demonstrated experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques. Experience managing a dispute resolution program or grievance program. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment. Excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations. Ability to work independently with moderate supervision in a team-based environment. Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements. Experience with interest- based negotiations and problem solving strongly preferred. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Must have excellent presentation skills. Project management skills in a multiple-location/unit environment. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters. Strong, fundamental computer skills in technology/platform supporting business operations and communications.