Manager of Labor and Employee Relations

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an experienced and strategicManager of Labor and Employee Relationsto lead and support our labor and employee relations programs within the higher education environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the Manager will oversee a team of Labor and Employee Relations (LR/ER) professionals, manage complex employee relations matters, and play a pivotal role in maintaining a respectful, compliant, and high-functioning workplace for faculty, staff, and administrators.

The Manager of Labor and Employee Relations will be responsible for the following:

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, coach, and develop a team of LR/ER professionals
• Oversee staff workload, ensure high performance, and foster professional growth
• Promote a culture of service excellence and continuous learning
• Provide interim support/coverage as needed for the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations

Labor Relations Strategy & Support

• Serve as technical expert on labor relations issues
• Provide guidance and consultation to HR Strategic Partners, HR Consultants, management and leadership
• Monitor and manage the grievance process, ensuring adherence to collective bargaining agreements
• Provide strategic insight and support during grievance and contract interpretation matters
• Act as a key contributor in collective bargaining negotiations which includes acting as lead negotiator for union contracts for smaller bargaining units

Employee Relations Guidance

• Consult on complex employee relations cases, including high-level investigations and disciplinary actions
• Advise on sensitive separations and performance-related decisions, especially for non-voluntary terminations
• Ensure consistency in ER cases handling and outcomes across campus units

Data Analysis & Policy Development

• Conduct LR/ER trend analysis in collaboration with HR Strategic partners
• Interpret results and recommend updates to policy, procedures, and bargaining language
• Identify emerging LR/ER issues and develop proactive strategies to address them
• Participate in policy development, influence campus-wide policy through data-informed insights and best practices

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure compliance with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws
• Oversee the administration of the University's unemployment compensation policies and practices, advising on claims and providing insights on potential areas of risk
• Escalate systemic issues to appropriate leadership to ensure resolution
• Stay current with national and state LR/ER developments affecting higher education

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as a liaison between University leadership and union representatives
• Facilitate productive dialogue and resolution of disputes
• Build strong relationships within HR and across University departments to deliver responsive, effective solutions and to support a culture of trust, transparency, and shared responsibility
• Ensure clear, timely communication on all LR/ER matters

Skills and experience include:

• Strong leadership and vision
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience in leading and developing a team
• Extensive experience in collective bargaining, labor contract negotiation, and grievance handling across multiple union environments
• Deep understanding of policy application, contract interpretation, grievance processes, and employment law compliance
• Collaborative and flexible decision-making style
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Sound judgment when making decisions
• Prior labor and employee relations experience in a higher education setting preferred

This position will be filled at Manager or Senior Manager level, depending upon the successful candidate's education and experience. The Manager level requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus eight years of relevant experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for Senior Manager level.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belongingthat supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages theeducational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of thecommunity thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and anessential element of the university's teaching, research, and servicemission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: