Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Senior Labor Relations Partner

• Title: Senior Labor Relations Partner
• Category: Management
• FLSA: Exempt
• Grade: K

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, the Senior Labor Relations Partner is a strategic member of the PCC Labor Relations Team who applies problem solving and analytical skills and abilities to investigate issues and prioritize critical duties and assignments in a fast-paced environment. Responsible for developing positive and collaborative labor-management relationships through transparent communication, collaborative problem-solving with union leaders, contract interpretation and application of the agreements, and response and resolution to grievances and union inquiries. Plays a critical role in developing and implementing strategies, policies, practices, and systems within the employee and labor relations function, as well as creating and fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops, recommends, and implements effective and equitable Labor Relations strategies that positively impact the organization and meet the needs of employees.
• Resolves and responds to grievances in collaboration with management in support of consistent contract compliance.
• Provides training and support to managers on leading in a represented environment to ensure consistent compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Meets with employees and managers on workplace concerns, including explaining complaint processes, relevant policies, and contract provisions.
• Provides interpretation, advice, and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees on labor contracts.
• Provides input into labor management issues for collective bargaining purposes and participates on negotiations team.
• Analyzes and reports out on data on issues related to grievance, discipline and contract disputes and reviews data to identify trends and issues. Collaborates with People Strategy, Equity, and Culture team members to address concerns as applicable.
• Supports the development and implementation of short and long-term DEI strategies focused on developing and supporting PCC’s diverse employee population.

Key Attributes

• Demonstrated experience incorporating principles that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion into organizational practices and policies.
• Ability to navigate large, complex organizations to effectively implement labor relations solutions that meet organizational needs and align with values.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in de-escalation, managing difficult conversations, negotiating, and navigating conflict resolution conversations.
• Ability to influence and coach employees and managers through complex, difficult 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 that is 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.
• Expert-level 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 collaborating with Budget to identify the financial impact of policy decisions.
• Experience improving and implementing processes and policies using principles of change management and project management.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years of recent professional human resources experience at the senior level, which includes broad generalist experience in the development and delivery of comprehensive people and culture services, and which includes experience in labor relations.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Frequent reaching, sitting, walking, and standing may be required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job. Incumbents are required to work and maintain offices at more than one location. Frequent travel within the college district is required. Occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend work may be required.

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.