Manager of Labor and Employee Relations

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manager of Labor and Employee Relations to lead their programs in higher education. This role involves overseeing a dedicated team, managing employee relations issues, and ensuring compliance within a diverse and inclusive workplace. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and communication skills, along with extensive experience in collective bargaining and grievance handling. This position offers a blend of remote and on-campus work, allowing for flexibility while contributing to a culture of belonging and support for all community members.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience with 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in labor relations and employee communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead labor and employee relations programs within higher education.
• Manage grievance processes and collective bargaining.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Collective Bargaining

Grievance Handling

Analytical Skills

Employment Law Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or students) should log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• Current Penn State students (not previously employed at the university) seeking employment should log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• Applicants not currently employed or enrolled should click "Apply" and complete the external application process.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS:

The Pennsylvania State University seeks an experienced Manager of Labor and Employee Relations to lead our labor and employee relations programs within higher education. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role will oversee a team of LR/ER professionals, manage employee relations matters, and maintain a respectful, compliant workplace for faculty, staff, and administrators.

Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, coach, and develop LR/ER staff
• Manage workload, ensure high performance, foster growth
• Promote service excellence and continuous learning
• Support the Senior Director as needed

Labor Relations Strategy & Support

• Serve as labor relations expert
• Guide HR partners and management
• Manage grievance processes and collective bargaining

Employee Relations Guidance

• Consult on complex cases and investigations
• Advise on sensitive separations and terminations

Data Analysis & Policy Development

• Analyze trends, interpret data
• Update policies and procedures

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure policy and law compliance
• Manage unemployment policies, advise on risks

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as liaison with union reps and leadership
• Facilitate dialogue and build relationships

Qualifications include:

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Experience in collective bargaining and grievance handling
• Knowledge of policy application, employment law
• Collaborative decision-making style
• Analytical skills and sound judgment
• Higher education HR experience preferred

This position can be filled at Manager or Senior Manager level, depending on experience. Minimum requirements for Manager include a Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, including 3 years supervisory experience. Salary range: $86,300 - $145,700.

This role offers flexible work arrangements combining remote and on-campus work. For questions about flexible work, contact the hiring manager during the interview.

The university values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging that supports all community members.