Strategic Director, Employee & Labor Relations & Compliance

California State University, Chico; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Vision coverage

CalPERS retirement

Tuition waiver

Vacation days

Sick leave

Job summary

California State University, Bakersfield is seeking a Director of Employee and Labor Relations & Compliance to lead strategic labor relations and compliance under the People Strategy & Workforce Administration.

The role advises university leadership, administers collective bargaining agreements, and guides investigations and disciplinary processes to ensure fair treatment and policy adherence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, labor relations, public administration, business administration, counseling, organizational planning/policy law, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of human resources generalist experience or higher, including labor relations, investigations, and grievance handling in union and non-union environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the university's representative in labor relations for staff and management, ensuring collaborative relationships while complying with CBAs and university policies.
• Provide guidance on responsibilities defined by the CBA, including leaves, information requests, and meet-and-confer obligations.
• Lead investigations into employee complaints and misconduct, and coordinate with counsel for litigation or settlement strategies.
• Oversee grievance processes from filing to resolution and coordinate with the Office of General Counsel.
• Develop reports on investigations and disciplinary actions for internal and legal use.
• Promote compliance with CSU policies, federal and state laws, and accessibility requirements (ADA/504).
• Collaborate with leadership and campus partners to ensure policy implementation and training.

Skills

Leadership

Labor relations

Policy development

Communication

Conflict resolution

Advising executives

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/labor relations or related field

Job description

California State University, Bakersfield is seeking a Director of Employee and Labor Relations & Compliance to lead strategic labor relations and compliance under the People Strategy & Workforce Administration.

The role advises university leadership, administers collective bargaining agreements, and guides investigations and disciplinary processes to ensure fair treatment and policy adherence.