Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist

University of Pennsylvania; United States; Remote; USD 61,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist to enhance labor relations within its diverse workforce. This dynamic role focuses on building strong relationships with union representatives, developing negotiation strategies, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence labor relations practices in a prestigious educational environment. Join a team that values innovation and collaboration, and contribute to a transformative campus experience while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that supports both professional growth and personal well-being.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Benefits

Tuition Assistance

Generous Retirement Plans

Flexible Work Hours

Wellness Programs

Professional Development Resources

Long-Term Care Insurance

Adoption Assistance

Discounts and Special Services

Home Ownership Services

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in HR/Labor Relations required.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws and union environments essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement labor relations strategies aligned with university values.
• Serve as primary contact for labor union representatives and manage relationships.

Skills

Labor Relations

Negotiation Skills

Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Skills

HRIS Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist

Job Profile Title

Labor and Staff Relations Specialist Senior

Job Description Summary

The Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) provides the expertise, business process, policies and standards required to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain and renew the physical assets of the University, excluding the health system. In addition, the Division, comprised of approximately five Departments, is responsible for the strategic planning, management and operation of non-academic University property, and collaborating with the neighborhood to create a safe, diverse and economically vibrant destination. With close to 12M square feet of space, FRES maintains 186 buildings on a campus of 276 acres, completes over 60,000 maintenance requests per year, and starts approximately 250 projects a year.

The University of Pennsylvania is implementing a campus transformation entitled Penn Connects. This comprehensive, award-winning effort is expanding the campus over the next 20 years, including the construction of new academic research and recreational facilities. In addition, the University has secured $300M in Century Bond funding and continues to upgrade existing facilities over the coming years.

Job Description

Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist

The University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to serve as the Senior Staff and Labor Relation Representative. Reporting to the FRES Director of Human Resources, with a dotted line to Core Human Resources Executive Director for Staff and Labor Relations, this role will be responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with Housekeeping/Hard Surfaces/CDL (Local Union 115) (approximately 575 FTEs) and Trades (Local Union 835) (approximately 230 FTEs) represented by two different unions within the University's diverse workforce. This role encompasses both strategic and operational responsibilities, with a focus on promoting effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative labor-management initiatives. In addition to labor relations, this role will encompass responsibilities related to the training and development of management that supervise staff represented by unions on topics and programs that impact labor relations.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with Core Human Resources (HR) and the FRES Director of HR, develop and implement comprehensive labor relations strategies in alignment with the university's mission and values.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for labor union representatives, cultivating relationships built on trust, respect, and open communication.
• In collaboration with Core HR, develop and execute negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements with trade union labor and housekeeping union labor.
• Provide guidance and expertise on labor law, regulations, and compliance matters, ensuring the university's practices are consistent with applicable laws.
• Lead efforts to prevent, manage, and resolve labor disputes, grievances, and conflicts in a fair and constructive manner. Oversee the administration of labor contracts, including monitoring contract compliance, grievance procedures, and arbitration processes.
• Advise and oversee labor relations matters in collaboration with other University departments, including contract interpretation, disciplinary actions, and workforce management, ensuring equitable and consistent treatment.
• In collaboration with the FRES Director of HR, develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for union staff, supervisors, and managers on matters related to labor relations.
• Design and implement training initiatives to enhance the skills, safety, and knowledge of union staff, fostering continuous learning and growth.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to track and assess the effectiveness of training programs provided to union staff.
• Represent FRES interests with the Office of Risk Management and Worker’s Compensation, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety, Fire and Emergency Services, and others to ensure adherence to all relevant policies and procedures.
• Stay updated on industry trends, labor market developments, and best practices in training and labor relations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to labor relations activities, training programs, and negotiations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for university leadership regarding labor relations activities, challenges, and accomplishments.
• Conduct recurring monthly management meetings with union leadership.
• Coordinate protocols to monitor and track employees who are out of the workplace due to STD/WC/FMLA/LTD with Operating Directors, FRES support staff, and other University departments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible and varied experience in the Human Resources/Labor Relations field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience in labor relations, with a successful track record of negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and practices, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
• Demonstrated experience working within a unionized environment, preferably in an academic or large institutional setting.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage relationships at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, drive results, and navigate complex and sensitive labor situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in using HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) and other relevant software applications.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Facilities and Real Estate Services

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay