LABOR LIAISON

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 97,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus City Schools is seeking a seasoned administrator in Labor Management & Employee Relations to provide high quality guidance on collective bargaining matters, investigations, and employee relations across the district. The role involves interpreting agreements, advising district administrators, and supporting bargaining teams during negotiations.

The position requires extensive experience in labor relations, strong investigative skills, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in labor management and employee relations.
• Three years of supervisory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Advises District administrators on all collective bargaining matters and employee relations issues.
• Processes, investigates, and responds to grievances and union-related concerns.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements and serves as management advocate in grievance processes.
• Supports the management bargaining team during negotiations and assists with language for proposals.
• Investigates allegations of employee misconduct and prepares investigative reports.
• Develops and enforces attendance policies and other procedures for district administrators and HR.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee discipline

Grievance handling

Workplace investigations

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written comms

Job description

DEPARTMENT: LABOR MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LABOR MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

JOB STATUS: ADMINISTRATOR - SUPERVISOR A 260 - FLSA EXEMPT

STARTING SALARY: $108,311

ABOUT US:

Columbus City Schools is more than a school district. We are woven into the fabric of Columbus and its many neighborhoods. Across more than 100 schools, more than 44,000 students and their families come together with educators, staff, coaches, and partners who share our commitment to serving students and helping them reach their full potential with our whole child philosophy. At CCS, putting students first guides everything we do. We support each student’s academic, physical, social, and emotional development, helping ensure they have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to learn and grow. Our dedicated team of some 9,000 staff members plays an important role in making that possible. Whether working directly with students or supporting our schools behind the scenes, there is a place for you to make an impact at CCS.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Professional position responsible for providing high quality advice and guidance in a wide range of labor management and employee relations matters including but not limited to interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, employee discipline, workplace investigations, and other labor management concerns. Communicates with union officials and participates in joint union/management meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Advises District administrators on all collective bargaining matters, employee’s performance issues, employee discipline and other employee relations matters.
• Processes, investigates, and responds to grievances and other union related concerns or complaints.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements.
• Serves as management advocate in grievance process, including arbitration and other administrative matters, as assigned.
• Provides support to the management bargaining team during collective bargaining negotiations. Gathers and provides input on union proposals and suggests language for management proposals and counter-proposals.
• On occasion, investigates allegations of employee misconduct and prepares written reports of investigative findings.
• Develops, implements and enforces attendance and other policies and procedures and communications as needed with District administrators and other HR Business Units.
• On occasion, acts as hearing officer in employee misconduct and prepares written reports of investigative findings.
• Develops, and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders and outside agencies such as the Ohio Department of Education, law enforcement agencies, and other community groups.
• Assists in administering the District’s Substance Free Workplace Policy.
• Acts as Director’s designee when assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Substitution: Additional years of experience in public sector labor relations, including experience in contract negotiations, arbitration and mediation, may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Six (6) years of experience in labor management and employee relations, at least three (3) of which must include supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience in conducting workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and strength in cultural competence.

Skills

• Demonstrated effective oral and written communications skills, including but not limited to drafting memoranda, reports, and recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse work environment.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to effectively gather, compile, and analyze facts and pertinent information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with strong judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Tools/Equipment: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair.
• Posture : Prolonged sitting and standing, occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding, and use of a mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds).
• Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability.