DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS
Human Resources
Posting: 14251
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Position open until filled. We will begin reviewing application materials as of July 14,
2014.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Employee and Labor Relations (DELR) reports to the Chief Human
Resources Officer. This position is responsible for the management of employee
and labor relations for classified positions at the University of Oregon, which
includes the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), SEIU for sworn police
officers, Teamsters (printing employees), and Graduate Teaching Fellows
Federation (GTFF). Responsible for the management of collective bargaining
negotiations and contract administration, progressive discipline and grievances in a
manner that supports positive and professional relationships with employees, union
representatives, supervisors, managers, and administrators. Provides collaborative
and consultative advice and counsel on labor contract interpretation, application,
and compliance for the University; collaborates with peer directors, managers,
administrators, supervisors, union representatives, and other members of the human
resources management team. Leads fact finding investigations, responds to
information requests, and represents the university at arbitration, mediation, and
appeal hearings. Consults on a wide range of human resources related issues and
topics.
This position serves a leadership role in support of the University’s commitment to
providing an inclusive and welcoming work environment; incumbent must be able
to communicate, work, and collaborate effectively with University staff, faculty, and
students from diverse backgrounds. This position demands a firm commitment to
serving the University with sensitivity and professionalism. The position requires
abundant self-confidence and the ability to multi-task many issues, processes, and
unplanned happenings. Must be able to handle confidential matters appropriately
and professionally.
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON:
UO is a comprehensive research university and member of the Association of
American Universities (AAU) with over 1900 faculty, 1300 officers of administration,
and 1600 classified (union-represented) employees. Student enrollment is nearly
25,000. Located 110 miles south of Portland, the state's major metropolitan area, 60
miles from the coast, and 70 miles from the Cascade Mountains, Eugene has
abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and a vibrant arts community.
Director of Employee & Labor Relations Job Posting
Page 1 of 5
MAJOR DUTIES:
Employee Relations (50%)
 Advises managers, supervisors and employees on performance management
and other workplace issues; conducts investigations as needed; recommends
solutions to disputes and/or performance or misconduct problems;
 Provides consultation for managers and supervisors on disciplinary actions
involving bargaining unit employees to ensure consistent and fair application
of the principles of due process and just cause, as well as collective
bargaining agreements and University policy;
 Interprets collective bargaining language and relevant employment laws and
policies for supervisors and employees;
 Leads fact finding investigations, coordinates responses to employee
grievances; prepares for and assists in presenting arbitration and contested
cases, represents the university at arbitration, mediation, and appeal
hearings;
 Work with General Counsel on investigations, disciplinary proceedings,
grievances, and arbitrations;
 Conducts training for UO managers and supervisors in contract
administration, due process, and related employee relations issues.
Labor Relations (40%)
 Meets with union leadership, stewards, and representatives regularly to
resolve concerns, problems, and grievances;
 Work with stakeholders, bargaining, and management teams to develop
negotiation strategies and tactics, contract language, communication plans,
and memoranda of understanding;
 Serves as the UO representative in negotiations involving the seven Oregon
universities that are part of the Oregon University System, Service Employees
International Union (SEIU), including SEIU for sworn police officers;
represents the university at contract negotiations with Teamsters (printing
employees) and Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) bargaining
units;
 Implements and administers collective bargaining agreements;
 Serves as the primary contact for the union(s) regarding contract
implementation and administration and leads meetings with the bargaining
and management teams to prepare for negotiation sessions;
 Represents the university at meetings with the union;
 Provides training to managers and supervisors regarding the implementation
of the collective bargaining agreements;
 May serve as chief spokesperson;
 Identifies and develops management strategies for collective bargaining;
 Drafts contract language.
Director of Employee & Labor Relations Job Posting
Page 2 of 5
Human Resources Administration (10%)
 Is a member of the Human Resources management team and participates in
setting the direction of human resources support activities for the University;
 Develops and recommends policies and procedures concerning employee
relations and personnel practices to the Chief Human Resources Officer;
 Provides assistance and problem solving on a wide range of human resource
issues and topics;
 Completes special assignments as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and five years progressively responsible experience in
employee and labor relations, or a combination of education and experience
which clearly demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the major
duties of the job in a university setting comparable to the University of Oregon

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of employee and labor relations

Labor relations experience to include labor contract negotiations, practices
and strategies, and contract administration

Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated expertise
in negotiating, facilitating or mediating the resolution of employment or
human resource related issues
DESIRED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:
Knowledge of:




Principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective
bargaining, and employment laws;
Human Resources theories, practices, and techniques;
Supervisory principles;
Program development and administration principles and practices.
Skill in:






Skill in building strong relationships and partnerships with various interest
groups;
Practical application of collective bargaining and employment laws;
Effective written and oral communications, listening, presentation, group
facilitation, influencing, and negotiations;
Application of processes for influencing performance management;
Effective use of mediation and conflict resolution techniques;
Computerized systems for word processing, spreadsheet applications, and
data bases to retrieve and analyze data and/or create reports;
Director of Employee & Labor Relations Job Posting
Page 3 of 5


Coordinating activities with other internal departments and/or external
agencies;
Effective project and time management.
Ability to:




Reconcile labor relations issues in the context of both existing labor
agreements and desired future states of labor and employee relations at the
University of Oregon;
Establish and maintain professional and collaborative working relationships
with all contacts;
Manage multiple complex projects concurrently;
Communicate, work, and collaborate effectively with diverse academic,
cultural and ethnic backgrounds of University staff, faculty and students.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors and/or master’s degree with coursework in human resources,
public administration, industrial relations, or related field

Experience in a similar position at a college or university comparable to the
University of Oregon

Knowledge of Oregon employment law, in particular the Public Employee
Collective Bargaining Act, and the Oregon Employment Relations Board

Familiarity with university organizational structure, policy, and political issues
in higher education

PHR or SPHR certification
Requires a criminal background check.
SALARY: Annual starting salary $100,000 - $120,000; excellent fringe benefits,
including health, vision, and dental insurance, employer-paid retirement, tuition
benefits for employee or an eligible dependent, sick and vacation leave.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: This position is open until filled. We will begin
reviewing application materials (see below) as of July 14, 2014.
1. A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and
abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in
the job announcement. Please discuss each element completely and
succinctly.
2. A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Director of Employee & Labor Relations Job Posting
Page 4 of 5
Cover letter and resume should be packaged as one PDF attachment and emailed to
hrinfo@uoregon.edu . Application materials may also be faxed to 541-346-2548 or
submitted via USPS to:
Human Resources
677 East 12th Ave., Suite 400
5210 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5210
This announcement is available in alternate formats upon request. If you are a
qualified applicant with a disability and need accommodation with the application or
interview, please call (541) 346-3159 for assistance.
AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE-ACTION
INSTITUTION COMMITTED TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMPLIANCE
WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Director of Employee & Labor Relations Job Posting
Page 5 of 5