Labor Relations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Oregon, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Conduct research, develop, negotiate, and execute HR/labor relations strategies, collective bargaining agreements, memoranda, policies, and workplace practices.

• Provide guidance to executive leadership, operations management, HR personnel, unions, and elected officials across assigned departments and labor contracts.

• Engage in collective bargaining, negotiate successor agreements and interim demands, and formulate enforceable contract language.

• Lead or assist bargaining teams throughout the entire process from pre-planning to post-settlement ratification.

• Negotiate interim bargaining demands, address grievances, and manage Unfair Labor Practices.

• Draft settlement agreements, resolutions, MOUs, MOAs, and statutory notifications.

• Foster positive relationships with union leadership and ensure adherence to contract terms.

• Advise leadership and HR partners on workforce planning, performance issues, contract interpretation, and mitigating employment risks.

• Investigate employee complaints and grievances, assess disciplinary actions, and ensure compliance with personnel regulations and CBAs.

• Examine labor statutes, contract provisions, and rules in collaboration with County Counsel and HR specialists.

• Prepare legal briefs and represent the County in unemployment hearings and labor-management discussions.

• Design and provide training on labor relations, conflict resolution, and best practices.

• Analyze public/private-sector practices and revise Personnel Rules for compliance with legal and Merit System standards.

• Establish monitoring systems and audit departmental performance for adherence to labor agreements and merit principles.

• Oversee specialized programs such as Drug & Alcohol administration, legislative reviews, layoff/bumping processes, and support for the Merit Council.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resources, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

• A minimum of three years of professional labor relations experience, including grievance and contract administration or dispute resolution.

• Experience in negotiating collective bargaining agreements as a first and/or second chair.

• Proven experience and dedication to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

• Submission of an application, resume, and cover letter is required.

• Resume must detail employer names, locations, employment dates, titles, responsibilities, and number of supervised employees.

• Preferred: advanced degree in a pertinent field.

• Preferred: experience in resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations.

• Preferred: background in a public-sector, unionized environment.

• Preferred/desirable: experience with public safety unions.

• Preferred: political and organizational acumen to implement labor relations strategies.

🏝️ Benefits

• Typically remote telework options available.

• Alternative schedules may be considered.

• Potential for a hybrid schedule in the future.

• Veterans’ preference under Oregon Law for eligible veterans.

• Reasonable accommodations available under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Opportunities for full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration, and on-call positions may be filled through this recruitment.