Employee and Labor Relations Manager

Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24409 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Elizabeth Bradley(406) [email protected] Classification Title Personnel Officer Working Title Employee and Labor Relations Manager Brief Position Overview Join a dynamic and evolving team of HR professionals committed to the future success and well-being of faculty, staff, and students at Montana’s land-grant university! Under the general supervision of the Director of Labor and Employee Relations, this position performs human resources and labor relations work on various issues. The role supports the entire Human Resources team and serves constituencies, including MSU administrators, faculty, staff, OCHE personnel, and union representatives.Position Number 4M1406 Department HR Comp Ben Empl Services Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $85,000/annually Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Office of Human Resources is committed to actively supporting Montana State University’s mission and strategic objectives through dedicated leadership, guidance, and comprehensive administration in key areas such as classification, recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employee and labor relations.Duties and Responsibilities The Employee and Labor Relations Manager role provides expert guidance on human resources and labor relations issues, acting as a central resource for managers, supervisors, and employees. Handling investigations, offering guidance on performance management and discipline, and managing union relations to ensure a compliant and positive work environment for all. Consultation and Guidance:

Provides expert advice on a wide range of HR and labor relations issues, including policy interpretation, compliance, and collective bargaining agreements.

Acts as the primary point of contact for HR Business Partners, managers, supervisors, and employees, clarifying roles, rights, and responsibilities related to employee relations concerns.

Offers guidance to management and HR personnel on performance management, corrective actions, disciplinary processes, and other workplace issues, ensuring adherence to due process, just cause, and collective bargaining agreements.

Investigation and Resolution:

Conducts and oversees fact-finding investigations for internal and external complaints, concerns, and inquiries.

Prescribes appropriate remedies to resolve complaints, collaborating and referring harassment and discrimination complaints to the Office of Institutional Equity.

Union Relations and Contract Management:

Works directly with union representatives on employee performance management, contract negotiations, and reporting requirements outlined in collective bargaining agreements.

Assists with recordkeeping related to employee hiring, termination, leave, and transfers, ensuring compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity EEO , affirmative action, and diversity initiatives.

Research and Support:

Gathers data to analyze cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes, including management and union proposals on wages, working conditions, and mitigating circumstances.

Conducts interviews, surveys, and research related to HR policies, compensation, and labor negotiations, presents findings and recommendations to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations.

Stay current on HR laws and regulations, including EEO , affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, and labor relations.

Assists with drafting plans, policies, documents, and reports, such as EEO /affirmative action plans, organizational charts, and labor agreements.

Develops and delivers training materials and presentations on various HR topics.

Performs additional project work and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in human resources administration, labor or industrial relations, business or public administration, or related field plus at least five years relevant and recent experience in professional human resource administration applying human resources concepts, principles, and practices, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Proven HR Expertise: Demonstrated experience with and thorough understanding of human resources laws, regulations, concepts, principles, and practices.

HR Guidance & Consultation: Experience providing management and staff human resources guidance and consultation.

Employee/Labor Relations Experience: Direct work experience handling employee and/or labor relations matters.

Investigation & Conflict Resolution: Experience with conducting investigations and resolving workplace conflicts.

Problem-Solving & Analysis: Experience developing solutions for complex HR issues, including gathering and analyzing relevant information.

Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competence in operating personal computers and various software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, email, and internet usage. Microsoft Office software is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field.

Prior experience working in human resources within a unionized environment.

Prior experience in higher education.

Possession of a professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM -CP, HRCI ) or equivalent.

Demonstrated understanding of Montana State University’s Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Proven experience effectively delivering training and presentations to small and large groups.

The Successful Candidate Will

Confidentiality and Discretion:

Skillfully handles sensitive and confidential situations and information while maintaining ethical discretion.

Professional Representation:

Consistently represents the Office of Human Resources with professionalism, a positive attitude, and a well-maintained appearance, fostering a positive image across campus.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

Thrives in independent and collaborative work environments, effectively balancing individual tasks with team-oriented projects to foster a cooperative and productive work atmosphere.

Develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with diverse individuals (e.g. employees, union representatives, managers, supervisors, and administrators).

Policy and Regulatory Expertise:

Possesses a strong understanding of and ability to interpret and apply state and federal statutes, University, and departmental policies and procedures.

Sound Judgment:

Demonstrates sound judgment and makes effective decisions in complex and sensitive situations.

Organization and Time Management:

Possesses exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, allowing them to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous projects with dynamic and sometimes conflicting priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Communication:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.This position has supervisory duties? No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on July 12, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Special Instructions Diversity Statement Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html