Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Director of Employee and Labor Relations

Position Summary

Michigan State University is unwavering in its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that constantly improves workplace relations. Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Employee and Labor Relations is a key member of the Human Resources (HR) Leadership Team and will spearhead these initiatives by introducing, executing, and overseeing practices that fortify positive working relationships between the University and its workforce. This role offers invaluable expertise in labor and employee relations to a wide spectrum of stakeholders across the organization.

In sync with Human Resources' staunch dedication to the university, this position mandates an unwavering commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all job-related responsibilities.

The role is situated in East Lansing, with the potential for a flexible, hybrid working schedule subject to leadership approval.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Offer expert advice to every level of the organization on labor and employee relations, addressing concerns, queries, and grievances.
• Serve as a chief negotiator for the University in bargaining union contracts. This position works in collaboration with Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs for the academic labor contracts. Lead bargaining strategies that uphold the University's financial stability and reinforce its commitment to excellence.
• Lead the administration of collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance and effective management of union contract negotiations, grievance procedures, and conflict resolution. This position works in collaboration with Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs for the academic labor contracts.
• Represent MSU during negotiations and hearings, offering seasoned professional advice on labor and employee relations topics to ensure a high-performance work environment. The position works in collaboration with Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs for the academic labor contracts.
• Liaise with various campus units to ensure fair and respectful treatment of employees in accordance with university policies.
• Review and refine HR policies in alignment with emerging trends and the university’s vision and values.
• Ensure strict adherence to state and federal labor laws during all bargaining activities, liaising closely with the Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs and the Office of General Counsel when needed.
• Oversee critical employee relations matters related to Behavioral Threat Assessment, ADA, and violations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, etc., collaborating with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, Office of the ADA Coordinator, and the Office of Public Safety for compliance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated capability to create and lead teams effectively.
• Expertise in handling challenging situations and conversations.
• Exceptional communication skills for conveying intricate information.
• Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Mastery in maintaining integrity, confidentiality and discretion in sensitive matters.
• Proficiency in good faith bargaining and representing the organization's interests.

You Will Thrive in This Role if You Have

• Ability to build effective teams through visioning, strategic planning, goal setting, defining responsibilities, empowering, and coaching team members, and receiving feedback.
• Ability to handle difficult or volatile situations and challenging conversations productively.
• Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills for communicating complex information to leaders at all levels in the organization on employee and labor relations issues.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, research, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to use high-level discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling problems of a sensitive nature and security of confidential records.
• Ability to bargain in good faith and represent the organization's interests effectively, including in-depth wage and benefits negotiations.
• Ability to lead with both a decisive and consultative style.

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 Degree

Bachelors -Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or related

Desired Degree

Masters -Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or related

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or related.
• Extensive experience in employee and labor relations management, including leading or participating in contract negotiations with labor unions.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion goals across the institution and cultivating a work environment that is equitable and inclusive of employees with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Experience with state and federal regulatory compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and court decisions regarding employment-related matters.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or similar.
• Certification in Labor Relations Management.
• Leadership experience in employee and labor relations in higher education.
• Knowledge of and experience with laws and regulations in higher education, including but not limited to FLSA, ADA, EEO, Title IV, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, Clery Act, and FERPA.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering programs that measurably impact positive employee and labor relations, advanced conflict management, and resolution skills.
• A tactful and proven record of accomplishment of successful contract negotiations, with excellent interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, flexibility, and the ability to effectively collaborate while maintaining diplomacy.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) Professional References

Review of Applications Begins On

03/19/2025

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.

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.