Labor Relations Manager

Akron Public Schools; Akron, Northern (OH, KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Public Schools is seeking a Labor Relations Manager to oversee employee relations functions, labor relations, and compliance with labor laws to support positive relationships across the district. The role includes collective bargaining, contract administration and interpretation, grievance resolution, Civil Service rules, employee investigations, and discipline-related hearings.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in HR, labor relations, or related field, and 5–7 years of progressive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive HR experience with a focus on labor relations in a unionized environment preferred.
• Proficiency in employment laws, regulations, Civil Service guidelines, SERB rules and procedures, best practices, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise leadership on contract language, implications, and risk.
• Oversee the grievance process through all steps according to procedures and timelines.
• Coordinate district responses, position statements, and evidence/documentation gathering.
• Acts as Title IX Coordinator as directed.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and district policies.

Skills

Strong communication

Budget management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / labor relations / business

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Akron Public Schools

Posting Opens June 8, 2026 Posting Closes June 18, 2026 or until filled

Reposted August 26, 2026

The Akron Board of Education announces an opening for a Labor Relations Manager, Job Code 071, Time Schedule 522 (260 Days), Salary: $11109.49--$134324.28. Pension System: this position is assigned to the School Employees Retriement System (SERS).

Summary:

The Labor Relations Manager oversees the management of employee relations functions within the District, labor relations and compliance with labor laws in order to build, maintain and support positive employee relationships. Responsibilities include collective bargaining, contract administration and interpretation, grievance resolution, Civil Service rules/regulations,employee investigations, and discipline-related meetings/hearings.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Computer skills, including word processing and graphics software required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, or related field.
• 5-7 years of progressive HR experience with a focus on labor relations in a unionized environment preferred.
• Prior public sector and/or K-12 school district experience preferred.
• Proficiency in employment laws, regulations, Civil Service guidelines, SERB rules and procedures, best practices, etc. preferred.

Knowledge/Skill:

• Knowledge of administrative proceedings to support the labor relations process, such as grievance arbitrations and conflict resolution, as well as early intervention strategies (such as mediation, training opportunities, etc).
• Knowledge of school employment law , contracts, and hearing procedures.
• Ability to implement policy and procedures and recommend adjustments to improve operational efficiencies.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and statistics toward equitable outcomes.
• Ability to manage budget and assigned staff.
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise leadership on contract language, implications, and risk.
• Conduct and oversee employee investigations. Complete documentation as required.
• Oversee the grievance process through all steps according to established procedures, timelines and due process requirements.
• Coordinate district responses, position statements, and evidence/documentation gathering, etc.
• Acts as Title IX Coordinator as directed.
• Ensure compliance and consistent application of employment laws, District policies, labor agreements, etc.
• Prepare and submit required documentation, notices, reporting, etc. as needed.
• Administers and manages administration of collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service procedures, etc. Provide interpretation of labor contracts, guidelines, procedures, etc., to administrators, supervisors, and staff.
• Provides training to district personnel regarding the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, employment regulations, Civil Service guidelines, etc.
• Coordinates communication and mediation processes for employee complaints, grievances, and concerns.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff.
• Develops, administers and oversees orientation programs for new employees with respect to labor relations issues.
• Assists supervisory personnel in conducting due-process procedures, ensuring appropriate documentation, adherence to required timelines, etc.
• Conducts ongoing and regular reviews of labor relations functions, processes, and procedures for continuous improvement.
• Promotes collegial learning, teamwork, and collaborative decision making among staff.
• Assists with implementation of procedures with the Executive Director of Human Resources to ensure that employees are informed of personnel policies, procedures, and programs.
• Assist with hiring, assignment, supervision, etc., of Human Resources department staff.
• Evaluates job performance of assigned staff to ensure effectiveness.
• Provide training and development as directed.
• Ensures that department operations contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.

IF YOU REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL SERVICES (SUCH AS INTERPRETER, BRAILLE OR LARGE PRINT, OR WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS) COVERED UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, SECTION 102, PLEASE CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-761-2949. IF YOU ARE USING A TTY/TTD, PLEASE CALL THE OHIO RELAY SERVICE 1-800-750-0750.

AKRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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