Interim Director, Employee and Labor Relations

Brandeis University is seeking a strategic, highly motivated, and compliance-driven Interim Director, Employee and Labor Relations to assist in planning, organizing, and directing key human resources operations and overseeing the University's Human Resources Business Partner group. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources and collaborating with other HR and Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) leaders, the Director is responsible for the development and execution of labor and employee relations strategy to support a positive work environment that promotes positive labor relationships, employee engagement, employee satisfaction, effective communication, and a culture of teamwork and trust.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic consultation and support to senior leadership and managers regarding human capital-related issues including organizational structure, reorganizations, positive employee engagement, employee communications, performance concerns, and reductions in force; Coordinate and direct all aspects of employee relations practice, including development of human resources policies and practices, drafting and revising employee communications, counseling managers and supervisors, and oversight of performance management; Supervise and oversee the University's Human Resources Business Partners; Oversee and conduct employee investigations not related to allegations of discrimination or sexual misconduct; Support organizational change initiatives and guide leaders and managers on implementing change; Provide technical guidance and support to HR colleagues regarding leaves of absence, equitable hiring practices, and compliance-related concerns; Support and facilitate ADA reasonable accommodations for faculty and staff; Design and deliver training to managers and employees on employee relations compliance topics and employment law updates; Serve as the Human Resources Business Partner for faculty; Coordinate and direct all aspects of the University's labor relations practice, including contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance administration, oversight of union elections, labor strategy, union-related metrics and reporting, and union relationships; Advise senior leadership and managers on labor compliance, reorganizations, and employment actions related to unionized employees; Partner with General Counsel's office and external counsel to manage labor relations issues and processes

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field; 8-10 years of demonstrated, progressive human resources and labor relations experience, typically with direct exposure to unionized work environments; 5+ years of direct management experience; Deep knowledge of labor and employment law; strong negotiation and mediation abilities; high emotional intelligence; sound analytical and crisis-management skills; Strong knowledge of related federal and state rules and regulations; excellent project management skills, including successful leadership of projects from planning phase through completion; experience collaborating with groups, including faculty, staff, students, consultants, federal, state and local agencies, auditors, and community groups

Nice to have

Masters in a related field; Law degree; Experience in higher education