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Working/Functional Title

HR Manager, Employee & Labor Relations

Position Summary

This role supports the universitys labor relations function by serving as a key liaison between management and labor unions. Responsibilities include negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, advising on labor laws and policies, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations. This position functions as a trusted resource for managers, supervisors, and other leaders across the university to interpret and enforce the collective bargaining agreements. The position also contributes to training initiatives, participates on committees, and monitors labor trends to support proactive labor relations strategies.

What Youll Be Doing:

Administering and negotiating collective bargaining agreements through contract negotiation, letters of agreement, and grievance procedures.

Developing and implementing labor relations strategies, policies, and programs that align with the university's goals and values. Serving as a primary point of contact between management and labor unions. Providing guidance to management on labor laws, regulations, policies, and best practices. Conducting investigations and resolutions of labor-related issues and disputes. Manage the intake and evaluation of grievances, and evaluate and provide specific guidance to managers and leaders regarding appropriate progressive, corrective action for employees Collaborating with HR staff and legal counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws and collective bargaining agreements. Developing and delivering training programs for employees and management on labor relations topics. Serving on unit and university-wide committees and workgroups. Monitoring labor relations trends and proposing proactive measures to prevent issues. Participating in professional development opportunities.

You Will Thrive in This Role if You Have:

Ability to navigate and resolve complex people situations with empathy, tact, poise, and excellence. Ability to interact and work effectively with a broad range of individuals and stakeholders at all levels of the university and across the community. Highly effective communication skills to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner to units, supervisors, employees, and the university community. Ability to manage multiple priorities/projects simultaneously, establish goals and objectives, and deliver quality results within deadlines. Ability to practice self-care to promote and maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure optimal health and well-being through challenging work. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Ability to efficiently and effectively utilize and learn computer applications.

Benefits Highlight:

Low-deductible health plan available with zero employee premium Employer paid dental, life insurance 10% employer retirement match with a 5% employee contribution Voluntary benefits: vision, additional life insurance, pet insurance Generous leave/holiday benefits Educational assistance benefits for employees and dependents.

(Benefits are subject to change. Information for these benefits and more available for Support Staff employees at: https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html)

Remote friendly explanation:

This is a hybrid position requiring regular onsite presence of 3 days per week, with additional onsite time expected for meetings, negotiations, and other business requirements. When additional onsite presence is needed beyond the regular schedule, advance notice will be provided to ensure proper planning.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a human resources area or a related degree; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in labor relations, employee relations, and management; experience as a labor relations manager or a similar role in a complex work environment; experience serving on a bargaining team; understanding of labor laws, regulations, and labor union dynamics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience as a chief spokesperson for collective bargaining; advanced training or education related to Labor and Employee relations; Human Resources certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.