EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SYTEMWIDE LABOR RELATIONS - REMOTE

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Department Overview
Systemwide Labor Relations (SWLR) is responsible for negotiating and administering 17 systemwide labor agreements and 14 local agreements with 17 unions covering over 150,000 academic and staff employees across the UC system. This includes bargaining on first contracts, successor contracts, accretion, impacts and effects bargaining, mid-term modifications and the sunshine process. Administering the systemwide and local collective bargaining agreements also involves contract interpretation, contract implementation, grievance processing, handling formal requests for information, collaboration and coordination with Systemwide Human Resources departments, union communication, and providing training, advice and counsel to local labor relations staff across the system. Other key components that fall within the scope of SWLR include monitoring and ensuring compliance with bargaining agreements and legislation regarding contracting out services. SWLR collaborates closely with key partners within UCOP including the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on labor-related litigation activity, the Office of State Governmental Relations (SGR) in representing the University's position on legislative, budgetary and policy matters concerning labor relations and collective bargaining, and the Strategic Communications and Media Relations team to respond to media inquiries and develop messaging on labor relations and collective bargaining matters for internal and external stakeholders.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Systemwide Employee and Labor Relations, the Executive Director of Labor Relations is responsible for building a labor strategy for the University of California that supports the institution's goals, recruits and retains UC's employees, and promotes a healthy and inclusive workplace. The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for the collective bargaining of the University's systemwide labor agreements, and for the interpretation, implementation, and contract administration of those agreements, in addition to all other labor relations matters on behalf of the UC System. As part of this role, the Executive Director is responsible for fulfilling the requirements of the California Higher Education Employee-Employer Relations Act (HEERA) and other statutory requirements. This role directs the development, modification and execution of bargaining unit agreements and policies impacting immediate and long-term systemwide operations. The Executive Director builds strong relationships with the labor team at the Office of the President and the labor relations teams at each of the campuses, medical centers, Lab, and UC Agriculture & Natural Resources - working with these teams on contract administration, training, and guidance in an effort to foster and maintain positive working relationships between the unions, represented employees, and University management. The Executive Director of Labor Relations works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Employee Relations and the Director of the Workforce Commitment office, ensuring alignment of the institution's people strategies and obligations across its employee groups. The Executive Director may also serve as the University's spokesperson during complex public labor negotiations and labor disputes. This position represents the University with the Public Employment Relations Board, the State Department of Personnel Administration, the Governor's Office, State Legislators, and other public entities and constituents as necessary. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

Key Responsibilities

20% COORDINATE SYSTEMWIDE STRATEGIES, PROCEDURES AND POLICES: In consultation with the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Systemwide Employee and Labor Relations, develops, evaluates, recommends and implements the University's labor relations strategies, programs, policies, procedures and practices to align labor union interests and collective bargaining with UC strategic objectives, priorities, financial constraints and legislative relations; helps solve labor issues as they arise consistent with this vision. Assists and works closely with the 10 UC Campuses, 5 Medical Centers, Lab, AN&R, Academic and HR clients to ensure that local labor relations negotiations, practices and priorities are in line with established University standards and goals. Assists local labor relations staff with all labor-related issues. Ensures the participation of local management in the development of systemwide strategies and procedures to ensure that they support local management needs

20% OVERSEE IMPASSE, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND UNIT CHANGES: Oversees and manages the impasse process for all Bargaining Units. Provides guidance and support to University negotiators on all impasse and fact-finding proceedings. Ensures an appropriate interface with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) and provides input on the selection of Mediators. Directs the development and presentation of UC justifications to ensure that all information, facts and documents are entered into the record in support of the University's position. Oversees the contract administration process at the Campus level; ensures appropriate training is provided and provides guidance on all implementation matters; facilitates labor relations group discussion with all Campuses, Medical Centers, Lab, AN&R and all other locations. Gives direction and advice on all Bargaining Unit modifications, representation requests and new elections; directs the University's response to strikes and other job actions and non-bargaining activity and unfair labor practice charges.

25% OVERSIGHT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESSES: Provides oversight for all collective bargaining negotiations and directs all negotiation processes to ensure that appropriate pre-planning and negotiation strategies and tactics are being used; ensures consideration of the impact of bargaining on political/external relations; oversees the public relations aspects of collective bargaining and acts as the University's spokesperson as necessary. Supports activities and processes that improve the UC collective bargaining environment. Ensures processes are in place to establish local management needs and expectations for new contracts and that they are party to the negotiations planning process. Ensures that all data and information necessary for a successful negotiations outcome is collected, analyzed, and available to the University negotiator. Leads the bargaining process in appropriate circumstances. Works with union leaders and University negotiators to address problems and difficulties that arise at the negotiations table; keeps AVP of Systemwide ELR and, as directed, other University management informed on the progress of negotiations at all times and make presentations to inform management regarding labor relations issues as necessary. Manages bargaining-related unfair labor practices through coordination with the Office of General Counsel and provides guidance and support to University negotiators

30% SUPERVISE SYSTEMWIDE LABOR RELATIONS STAFF AT UCOP: Leads a department of 15-20 career employees including chief negotiators, labor relations managers, labor consultants and operations professionals; full responsibility for creating a healthy and sustainable workplace culture, hiring and terminations, performance management, salary administration, professional development, and all other aspects of people management. The size of this team may fluctuate over time.

5% EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION OF UC LABOR ISSUES AND OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Provides testimony in Legislative Hearings on all Labor Relations matters (i.e. HR policy, benefits and collective bargaining). Implements risk-reducing programs and procedures in partnership with Risk Management and the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services. Other duties as assigned.

Experience
Required Qualifications

Minimum 10 years in Human Resources with Labor Relations experience in a union-represented environment working with multiple unions in a complex business setting.

Minimum 5 years management experience, demonstrated ability in labor negotiations, knowledge of labor and employment laws, and the ability to establish progressive labor relations strategies and processes.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

Proven experience to lead, create vision, influence and motivate a variety of stakeholders; excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Establishes strong credible, trusting working relationships with stakeholders who have confidence in the work of Labor Relations. Good communicator and highly collaborative. Strong critical thinking skills and excellent research and analytical abilities.

Management experience with the ability to create a healthy and strong team culture and to plan and lead the work of staff performing a variety of activities within a complex and highly decentralized institutional environment.

Ability to integrate the needs of multiple entities (i.e. UCOP, Campuses, Medical Centers, Lab and AN&R) to address policy & strategic needs.

Proven ability to inspire, set program direction, model desired behaviors, and balance staff needs with the needs of the organization. Project management skills to plan and execute goals within specific timeframes and can balance and prioritize numerous competing objectives.

Interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others.

Advanced problem solving, issue recognition and resolution skills. Advanced skill in balancing labor relations advancements in key areas with strategic concessions in other areas.

Advanced knowledge of other areas with human resources function including compensation, employee relations, and employee benefits.

Requires advanced knowledge of the principles of advocacy, and applicable state and federal laws and court decisions. Knowing when to involve legal partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of UC system policies and procedures for labor relations.

Strong knowledge of the University environment including its infrastructure, goals, objectives, achievements, rules, regulations and policies.

Education
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Policy or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in Business/Public Administration, Labor Relations or JD.

Travel Requirements
15% Travel as needed to meetings and conferences such as Board of Regents Meetings, UC Systemwide Meetings, Conferences, and in-person bargaining.

Job Title
Labor Relations Mgr 4

Job Code
006093

Salary Grade
Grade 30

Payscale:
$280,000 - $310,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is August 8, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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