Labor Relations Staff Associate

Westfield State University; Kutztown (Berks County); Remote; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield State University is seeking a Labor Relations Staff Associate to provide essential operational support to the Labor Relations Department. The successful candidate will handle sophisticated correspondence, manage critical data, and assist in negotiations while ensuring efficient administrative operations. This remote position may occasionally require travel. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Seven years of administrative experience in an executive environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for clerical support.
• Ability to manage sensitive information discreetly.

Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence, reports, and presentations for labor relations.
• Manage calendars and coordinate travel logistics.
• Support contract negotiations and maintain grievance tracking systems.

Skills

Editing

Proofreading

Technical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP

SharePoint

Job description

Job Summary

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Labor Relations Staff Associate to provide critical operational and administrative support to the Labor Relations Department. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Labor Relations, the Staff Associate plays a key role in managing sensitive labor relations data, supporting collective bargaining efforts, and ensuring efficient administrative operations.

Position Overview:

This position requires a professional who can think critically, work independently, and handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with exceptional organizational, communication, and technical skills, who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.Key Responsibilities:

Draft high-quality correspondence, executive summaries, reports, agendas, and presentations for labor relations leadership.Manage complex calendars, coordinate travel, prepare meeting materials, and ensure timely logistical support for grievance meetings, trainings, and labor negotiations.Maintain and update grievance and arbitration tracking systems; generate analytical reports and support data-driven decisionAssist in contract negotiations by drafting proposals, tracking language changes, and compiling supporting documentation.Manage electronic grievance files and arbitration award records.Support operational effectiveness by recommending procedural improvements and leading document management strategy.Coordinate department purchasing, procurement, and purchasing card reconciliation.Serve as the primary manager for the secure Labor Relations SharePoint site and help maintain relevant website content.Record and transcribe meetings (e.g., Meet and Discuss, negotiations) as needed.Interact with university staff and union representatives to ensure timely and effective communication.Maintain department supply inventory and manage administrative systems.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily remote but occasional travel to System headquarters in Harrisburg or other locations for meetings may be required. Pennsylvania residency is required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED with advanced training and experience in editing, proofreading, and formatting. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in an executive environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and the ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.
• Demonstrated skill in supporting complex office processes and functions.
• Ability to carry out with some supervision staff assignments requiring the organization of material and development of procedures.
• Ability to collect data and perform analysis of information to create reports.
• Ability to write effectively and to draft, prepare, type, and proofread correspondence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Office of the Chancellor staff, State System University staff, union staff, and the general public.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues and correspondence with confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to comprehend and apply rules, regulations, and office procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree.
• Proficiency with SAP and SharePoint.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this position is with the Office of the Chancellor at the PA State System of Higher Ed, not Kutztown University.
Applications & Resumes will be accepted until position is filled but for earliest consideration, applications must be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system ONLY. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation.
Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.
Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.
Non-Discrimination StatementThe Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures and for inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulation, contact Christa Cobb, State System Title IX Coordinator, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 207, Harrisburg, PA 17110; Phone: [phone]; Email: [e-mail]. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone].