Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Labor Relations Partner

• Title: Labor Relations Partner
• Category:Confidential
• FLSA: Exempt
• Grade: II

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Partner provides confidential support regarding labor relations topics. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Labor Relations Partner is distinguished from the Senior Labor Relations Partner by the less complexity of items handled. Assignments require a high degree of confidentiality and involve interactions with diverse individuals and stakeholders across the district.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the Director and Sr. Labor Partners in their service as consultants to managers, supervisors, and employees on issues related to labor relations. Acts as an employee champion and change agent. Understands and models cultural competence and communication skills with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Assists in providing training and support to managers on leading in a represented environment to ensure consistent compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Assists in developing and facilitating training sessions on a variety of labor topics.
• Provides interpretation, advice, and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees on labor contracts and PCC procedures and policy.
• Collects and compiles labor metrics and data from various sources, including the enterprise management system, management and employee surveys, exit interviews, employment records, government labor statistics, and other sources.
• Supports Sr. Labor Partner and Labor Relations Director in, and conducts research for; bargaining, grievances, investigations, and other labor and employee relations-related tasks.
• Develops and delivers graphic, written, or verbal presentations and reports of findings, statistics, and insights.
• Takes and transcribes minutes of meetings and bargaining sessions; distributes agendas, minutes, and other materials to attendees.
• Supports developing and implementing short and long-term DEI strategies focused on developing and supporting PCCs’ diverse employee population.

Key Attributes

• Demonstrated experience incorporating principles that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion into People and Culture practices and policies.
• Ability to navigate large, complex organizations to effectively implement People and Culture solutions that meet organizational needs and align with values.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in de-escalating conversations, managing difficulties, negotiating, and navigating conflict-resolution conversations.
• Ability to influence and coach employees and managers through complex, challenging, and emotional issues and influence decisions without direct decision-making authority.
• Ability to resolve problems or issues by gathering and assessing information, seeking input, and using judgment consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, values, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain an equitable and inclusive workplace through interactions, decisions, and recommendations,
• Experience resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations.
• Knowledge of labor and employment laws and labor relations.
• Ability to advocate for employees while identifying and navigating the cultural, financial, and legal impacts on the organization.
• Experience improving and implementing processes and policies using change management and project management principles.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or other relevant discipline. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Two years of recent professional human resources experience, including broad generalist experience in the development and delivery of comprehensive people and culture services and experience in labor relations.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with officials and employees at all levels; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; demonstrate resourcefulness and tact in public contacts; utilize necessary computer applications at an advanced level; understand and follow broad and complex instructions; exercise considerable judgment and initiative; handle sensitive and confidential matters and situations; perform a variety of independent research and analysis activities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This job operates in a professional business office environment on a PCC campus, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time (sitting or standing); communicate with employees, partners, and stakeholders; and operate a computer to develop work products, communicate, and carry out responsibilities. Occasionally the employee is required to travel to other campuses to attend meetings, access items, and utilize equipment, and, rarely, move or transport items up to 10 pounds. Ability to provide own transportation to and from campuses and/or offsite functions may be required.

NEW: 6/2024

Portland Community College is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.