Employee and Labor Relations Program Manager

CalPERS; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CalPERS in Sacramento is seeking an Employee and Labor Relations Program Manager to lead complex labor relations work, provide strategic advice to senior leadership, and represent CalPERS in grievance resolution and labor-management matters.

The role requires deep expertise in collective bargaining, contract administration, and employee relations, with a proven ability to navigate sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism. The position offers a hybrid schedule with some onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex labor relations work and advise senior leadership on strategy.
• Represent CalPERS in grievance resolution and labor-management matters.
• Apply deep expertise in collective bargaining, contract administration, and employee relations.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #

JC-532289

Position #(s)

275-330-9537-003

Working Title

Employee and Labor Relations Program Manager

Classification

LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER I

$8,715.00 - $9,899.00

# of Positions

1

Work Location

Sacramento County

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Job Description And Duties

Anticipated Interview Dates

We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of October 12, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!

Are you a seasoned labor relations professional ready to make a meaningful impact at one of California’s most dynamic public organizations? CalPERS is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and highly skilled leader to guide complex labor relations work that directly supports our mission and our workforce.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key representative in grievance resolution and labor-management strategy. You’ll bring deep expertise in collective bargaining, contract administration, and employee relations, along with the judgment and political acumen needed to navigate sensitive and complex issues with confidence and professionalism.

Telework Information

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

Special Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."

Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Need help

Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation? The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one-on-one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations.