Labor Relations Manager

Duties & Responsibilities

• Aid in the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with contract provisions.
• Serve as a point of contact for union representatives and employees regarding labor and employment-related inquiries.
• Support the grievance and dispute resolution process, including documentation, tracking, and coordination with management or legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate case records and report metrics as needed.
• Advise managers and supervisors on policy interpretation, labor law compliance, and day-to-day employee relations issues.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative, constructive relationships with union representatives.
• Attend and facilitate monthly labor management meetings with staff union leadership to support collaborative problem-solving, track issues, and promote positive labor-management relationships.
• Participate in labor-management meetings and assist in preparing materials for negotiations or informational sessions.
• Collaborate with HR, legal counsel, and academic or departmental leaders to address operational and labor-related concerns.
• Afford support to managers on labor contract provisions, policies, and best practices in employee relations.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, analyses, and recommendations related to labor relations trends and issues.
• Contribute to special projects, including contract renewals, labor negotiations support, and organizational policy updates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial relations, business administration, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or HR operations; higher education labor relations experience preferred.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining or union negotiations in higher education a plus.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory reporting related to labor relations.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and grievance processes.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and across functional teams.
• Proficiency with HRIS, case management systems, and standard office software.
• Ability to independently lead projects or initiatives in labor relations.

Pay

Position Minimum Annual Salary: $75,000.00
Position Maximum Annual Salary: $90,000.00

Benefits

Columbia College Chicago offers a variety of benefits including:
- Competitive benefits with affordable health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Commuter benefit program.
- Life, accidental, death & dismemberment coverage.
- Paid and unpaid leave options.
- Work/life benefits.
- Educational assistance programs.
- Retirement and financial planning benefits.

Additional Information

The position subject to a background screening.
This is a non-union position.
This is a full-time position.
The position is overtime ineligible.
Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.