Statewide Labor Relations Director - Hybrid

State of Colorado; Colorado; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Colorado seeks a Labor Relations Director to lead the statewide Labor Relations Unit within the Department of Personnel & Administration. You will provide governance, guidance, and strategic direction for the administration of partnership agreements with agencies and higher education, and a certified employee organization.

You will supervise staff, manage performance, respond to grievances, and collaborate with management and union representatives to drive effective labor relations

Qualifications

• At least ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in collective bargaining, contract management, grievance and appeal management, and leading projects and teams.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing budgets for program goals.
• Ability to set goals/objectives and collaborate with HR Directors and leaders.
• Strong knowledge of federal/state laws and regulations related to labor relations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with HR and management.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership for Labor Relations as a strategic business partner across state government.
• Develop annual unit goals and KPIs for Labor Relations functions.
• Oversee all aspects of partnership agreements and statewide contract negotiations.
• Lead grievance management, policy development, and compliance with laws and policies.
• Advise leadership and employees on labor relations matters and guide staff accordingly.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Labor/Industrial Relations, HRM, Personnel Administration, or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Note: This posting may fill more than one vacancy.

Thank you for your interest in working for the State of Colorado. Join us and find meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents, helping to make Colorado a great place to live and work in.

Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.

The Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) is the foundation for dependable state government, leading with responsiveness, integrity, and teamwork. We provide services to other government agencies and all Coloradans by taking bold initiative toward a government with engaged employees, innovative solutions, and constructive partnerships.

DPA provides a wide range of programs and services, from custodial & maintenance to financial and human resources support, which assist other state agencies in fulfilling their missions. At DPA, there are countless opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that supports and serves the people of Colorado. The wide variety of positions in DPA allow individuals to learn about state operations and provide for long-term career growth.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and build greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado; it's a chance to combine your expertise with public service. Our professionals strive to support state government and the residents of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more.

Good Government Starts Here!

Why We Want You:

We want your expertise, positive energy, drive to succeed, and love of this great state as we work to elevate the expectations Coloradans have of their government.

What You'll Get From Us:

In return for the skilled work you do, DPA provides a competitive compensation and benefits package to accompany employment opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration, Division of Human Resources (DHR) provides decentralized human resources for the State of Colorado. DHR is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all state agency human resources functions, including compensation, benefits, recruitment and selection, the employee assistance program (CSEAP), learning and development, equity, and labor relations.

This position leads the statewide Labor Relations Unit within DPA and provides leadership, governance, and management of the labor-management relationship across the State. The position provides direction to program staff as well as human resources, management and supervisors across the State in labor relations including the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of Partnership Agreements (collective bargaining agreements).

As the Labor Relations Director, the position is responsible for the daily operations associated with working with a diverse and dynamic user group responsible for the administration of partnership agreements (collective bargaining agreements) with agencies, Institutions of Higher Education, and the State's certified employee organization, Colorado WINS. The position also identifies opportunities for staff development and innovation as we operationalize partnership agreements, developing effective partnerships with management/employees, union representatives and other key stakeholders to ensure effective resolution through collaboration; and providing timely, competent and relevant advice, recommendations and guidance for labor and employment matters.

A summary of the duties and responsibilities will include, but is not limited to, the following:

Strategic Business and Unit Management:

• Provide program leadership to deliver results including serving as a strategic business partner for the Human Resources community throughout state government, conduct ongoing needs assessments to ascertain the goals and objectives of the customers;

• Develop annual unit goals and objectives aligned with the needs of the customers and State leadership and develop and implement use of key performance indicators for Labor Relations functions within State government.

• Analyze existing policy and process gaps, and develop solutions to close them.

• Ensure the daily operations of the Labor Relations Unit are consistent with DPA and DHR goals and priorities.

• Using metrics and other methods evaluate the effectiveness of the Labor Relations Unit on a regular basis and make recommendations for changes to the unit to best align with strategic goals.

• Responsible for managing the Labor Relations Unit, including performance management and issuing any progressive discipline.

• Respond to grievances and disputes.

• Prioritize assignments and projects to achieve objectives and target dates, monitor workflow and workloads.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of labor relations training and support to identify opportunities to improve the unit's methods.

Program Management – Labor Relations:

• Program Management: Manage and oversee all aspects of the partnership agreements (collective bargaining agreements).
• Support the creation and on-going implementation of long-term strategic plan for the Labor Relations Unit that meets the current and future needs of the State including, but not limited to, strategy and goals for labor relations, statewide contract negotiations (partnership agreements), grievance processes, and an integrated communications plan to communicate with employees, HRDs, and other partners.
• Serves as an expert in labor relations providing advice and consultation to internal clients, including HR and operations department/agency leaders in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Contract Negotiations:

• Key leader in the negotiation of the Statewide Partnership Agreement and serves as lead negotiator.
• Provides leadership and oversight of the negotiation of state entity agreements and administration of these agreements.

Grievance Management:

• Labor Relations Unit to hear Level II Partnership Agreement Disputes. Must apply knowledge of personnel rules, labor laws, partnership agreements, federal, state and local laws in the resolution of disputes.
• Leads Labor Relations Unit to preserve documentation and maintain a standard filing system for all disputes.
• Develops policies and procedures to ensure that all activities within the areas of responsibilities are in compliance with applicable law, personnel rule, and policies.
• Review and comment on new legislation with Labor impact.
• Draft assigned portions of budget requests and responses.

Advice and Consultation:

• Provide information and advice to leadership and human resources professionals regarding labor issues, practices, policies, and regulations.
• Provide leadership, advice and consultation to agency supervisors, managers, HR Directors and Labor Relations staff directing, guiding, advising staff on labor relations matters to ensure proper interpretation and administration of contract provisions and avoid misunderstandings that may lead to employee dissatisfaction, grievances and unfair labor practices.
• Maintain knowledge of the field, other functions within DHR, and the state personnel system.
• Partner with other Division Leaders to support and collaborate on Division’s goals and objectives.
• Provide backup to other team members as necessary.

*A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, but may be attached. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use 'see resume' or 'see attached' statements on your application. Resumes will not be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will also be used as part of the comparative analysis process to identify a top group for further consideration.

This position is advertised in line with the Governor's executive order (Executive Order 2022 015) focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training or past experiences.

Residency Requirement:

Because this is position is non-classified, candidates from out of state may apply, though if selected would need to relocate and reside in Colorado.

Class Code & Classification Description:

160SES Senior Executive Service

Minimum Qualifications:

Able to demonstrate at least ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in collective bargaining, contract management, grievance and appeal management, and leading projects and teams, able to demonstrate experience and success with management of cross functional teams, internal and external business partners and leadership two of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

OR

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Labor/Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, Personnel Administration, or Business/Public Administration, or a closely related field and at least six years of progressive professional experience in collective bargaining, contract management, grievance and appeal management, and leading projects and teams, able to demonstrate experience and success with management of cross functional teams, internal and external business partners and leadership two of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

The exceptional candidate will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following preferred qualifications:

• Previous State Service related to the work assigned to the position
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulation, specifically those related to collective bargaining.
• Expert commitment to ethics, honesty, integrity and credibility. Expert ability to handle confidential, sensitive and critical issues.
• Strong capability to partner and build credibility with HR and business leaders.
• Exceptional communication skills which include the ability to adapt verbal and written communication style, both formal and informal, to various situations and all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify and analyze issues and develop appropriate solutions and plans of action.
• Strong organization, prioritization and self-motivation skills demonstrating a strong work ethic and accomplishment of job assignments in a timely manner setting enhanced objectives for self.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; attention to detail; productive without compromising quality. Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills with all levels of the organization.
• Fluency in Google, Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Word, and Outlook), and ability to quickly learn and apply other software.

Conditions of Employment:

• A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

Appeal Rights:

Not Applicable

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system.

Employment Philosophy:

The State of Colorado strives to build and maintain workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans. We are building a Colorado for All through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is committed to non-discriminatory practices in hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Accommodations

The Department of Personnel & Administration is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Heather Siegal [e-mail]