Senior Labor & Employee Relations Specialist – Higher Ed

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Labor and Employee Relations Senior Specialist to advance positive labor relations across all University locations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the role acts as a subject matter expert in union relations with faculty and graduate assistants.

The position involves advising on employment issues, interpreting policy and contract language, and supporting investigations and bargaining activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience in labor/employee relations in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME on union relations including day-to-day labor agreements for faculty and graduate assistants.
• Advise on resolution of employment and disciplinary issues.
• Counsel employees and leaders on workplace concerns, risk mitigation and resolution pathways.
• Interpret, apply and help develop policy and contract language; draft contract language as needed.
• Coordinate or assist investigations arising from grievances, hotlines, or escalated complaints.
• Represent the University at grievance hearings and bargaining discussions; support bargaining strategy and documentation.
• Assist with implementation of negotiated agreements; develop guidance and templates for consistent use.
• Train management and HR colleagues on contracts and administration expectations.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

Union relations

Policy interpretation

Communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Penn State University is seeking a Labor and Employee Relations Senior Specialist to advance positive labor relations across all University locations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the role acts as a subject matter expert in union relations with faculty and graduate assistants.

The position involves advising on employment issues, interpreting policy and contract language, and supporting investigations and bargaining activities.