Labor Relations Specialist

About Holyoke Community College:

Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state-of-the art technology in specialized learning facilities. HCC serves over 9,000 students annually, and provides a variety of recreational and cultural activities, from sports programs to music festivals, for students and community members alike. The college's strongest assets continue to be an innovative spirit, a sincere concern for students and a commitment to strive for even greater success. These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.

Mission:   Educate. Inspire. Connect.

Values: Kindness, Inclusion, Trust, Innovation & Collaboration

Kindness, inclusion and trust are the foundation of the work that we do together. Innovation and collaboration enable us to explore and implement the ideas that will shape our future.  

The Labor Relations Specialist (LRS) is responsible for leading and managing employee and labor relations function across the college. This position ensures fair and consistent application of policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws. The LMS serves as a trusted advisor to administrators, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of issues, including employee discipline, performance management, grievances, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution.

• Serves as the college’s primary contact for employee and labor relations matters.
• Interprets and administers all collective bargaining agreements (AFSCME & MCAAA, CBAs); provide guidance to management and staff on contractual obligations and rights.
• Assists with investigating employee complaints and workplace concerns, ensuring impartiality, consistency, and compliance with internal policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides coaching and counsel to supervisors and employees in concert with the Director of Restorative Practices and Mediation (DRPM) on performance management, corrective actions, and employee engagement strategies; design and conduct trainings on labor relation topics as needed.
• Coordinates and supports labor negotiations; prepare proposals, analyze data, and participate in bargaining sessions as needed.
• Works with the DRPM to monitor trends and proactively identify and resolve employee relations issues before escalating.
• Manages the grievance and arbitration process in partnership with college leadership and legal counsel.
• Works with the People & Talent team to analyze employee and labor relations data, trends, and metrics to provide insights and recommendations to management. Prepare reports and presentations as needed.
• Collaborates with People & Talent colleagues to ensure policy compliance, risk mitigation, and positive employee experiences.
• Works with the Director of Development to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training to supervisors on employee and/or labor relations best practices, to include, but not limited to contract administration and conflict resolution.
• Maintains thorough and confidential documentation of all employee relations activities.
• Stays current with employment laws, regulations, and labor relations developments, ensuring the college’s practices remain compliant and effective.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labor Relations, Pre-Law, Business Administration, or related field.
• Labor Relations and Arbitration knowledge is required.
• 3-5 years of experience in labor relations, including considerable experience in working with collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and counseling management.
• 3-5 years of employee relations and performance coaching or management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and other Human Resources software, i.e., HRIS systems.
• Ability to multitask and work independently on projects.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group and population.
• Effective communication and people skills; must be able to work in a team-driven environment.

Equivalency Statement:

We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Masters degree in related field.
• Previous experience in a higher education environment is highly desired.
• Specialized experience in handling grievances, negotiations, employment law, and employee relations.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.
• Bilingual.

Full-time, Non-Unit Professional Position:

• Salary Range: $76,687.37 - $84,668.75 (Grade 6); plus a comprehensive State benefits package. 
• Funding Source: State.
• Hours:  37.5 hrs./week.

To Apply

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents online:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References (with names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers).

When preparing your cover letter, please refer to the minimum and preferred qualifications as pertaining to this position and, if applicable, include an equivalency statement.

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/holyokeedu/jobs/5178026/labor-relations-specialist?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Additional Details:

Please Note: a skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.

Disability Accommodations:

Holyoke Community College is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Office of People and Talent at (413) 552-2554.

Background Check:

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check which will include CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information).
• All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. HCC is not sponsoring H1B Visa.

Holyoke Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College’s Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.