Academic Labor & Employee Relations Specialist

Updated: Mar 18, 2024
Location: Irvine-Campus
Job Type:
Department: Academic Personnel

Position Summary:

Office of Academic Personnel is UCI’s academic HR unit providing leadership and strategic partnership to UCI academic units and across the enterprise. As part of the Provost’s Office team, we implement policies and create programs that enable our faculty and other academic appointees to focus on their innovative research, teaching and service responsibilities.

Within the large, complex, and dynamic setting of the University of California, the Labor and Employee Relations Specialist (LER Specialist) is as a key member of the UCI Academic Personnel labor and Employee Relations team. Under minimal direction and in consultation with UCI’s Director and Associate Director of Academic Labor and Employee Relations, the incumbent should utilize academic personnel employee and labor relations knowledge and experience to provide consultation and recommendations to academic leadership regarding strategic decision-making on a wide range of matters, including performance management, compliance, conflict management, and grievance resolution for both represented and non-represented academic appointees. The LER Specialist is a technical leader who is responsible for labor and Employee Relations matters that are diverse and complex in scope, requiring analysis of many factors and development of solutions in creative and effective ways that balance risk and business needs. The LER Specialist will ensure UCI’s compliance with academic personnel policy and procedure, labor agreements, and employee/labor relations laws within the scope of the position. The LER Specialist works effectively with people from diverse cultures to provide employee and labor relations support; works collaboratively with systemwide and campus stakeholder offices; and, reviews and responds to complex and sensitive complaints and information requests, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower, abusive conduct, and EEOC. The LER Specialist demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. The LER Specialist normally receives little direction on assignments and may serve in a lead capacity, providing guidance to other employee and labor relations professionals. The LER Specialist prioritizes work assignments, adapts to changing priorities, and conducts complex and varied analyses and develops resulting recommendations. UCI seeks candidates with employee and labor relations experience in a large, complex academic and health sciences setting, preferably within the University of California.

Total Compensation:

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

$90,500.00 - $145,000.00 (Annual Salary for 100% appointment) the expected pay range is the budgeted salary that the University reasonable expects to pay for this position based on internal equity and budget. Annual Full Pay Range is $90,500- $169,700 (annual salary for 100% appointment) and is broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity and budget.

Required:

• Minimum 5 years in field of labor and Employee Relations with progressive responsibilities with bachelor’s degree; minimum 3 years in field of labor and Employee Relations with progressive responsibilities • Professional experience working in the University of California or other diverse postsecondary academic institution or other environment of similar complexity.

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Advanced organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations. Advanced knowledge of Employee Relations function and other subject areas of human resources. Advanced knowledge of union / labor contracts. Advanced knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Capable in developing, interpreting, implementing and administering organization-wide academic personnel policies and processes. Effective written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively. Demonstrated skills to provide guidance to managers and employees on complex and significant labor and Employee Relations issues. Demonstrated skills and abilities in leading management in the areas of conflict and change management. Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment in responding to employee and labor relations related requests. Understanding of the principles related to management, supervision and leadership to provide expert level advice and counsel. Demonstrated success in administering performance management systems and mentoring managers on the process of evaluating performance.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field. (preferred) • Juris Doctorate. (preferred)

Advanced knowledge of organization policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Academic Personnel and the organization.

Special Conditions Required:

• This position requires presence on campus during certain events and activities and at variable hours. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The incumbent must be able to provide their own means of transportation to/from work locations.

Note:

The first review date for this job is January 5th, 2024. The position will be open until filled.