Employer: SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Human Resources, Labor Relations                                             

GRADE: MGT F

ANNUAL SALARY: $129,074.61

LOCATION: Washington, DC (HQ)

 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions—worker power and collective action—and government—legislative and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

PURPOSE: The Assistant Director, Labor Relations is responsible for managing the relationship between the organization and its workforce, ensuring compliance with labor laws, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and addressing employee grievances. The position works closely with staff union representatives, Human Resources staff, and various levels of International Union management to foster a positive work environment and resolve labor relations issues efficiently and effectively.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Any one position may not include all the specific duties and responsibilities listed.  Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.) 

• Labor Relations:

o   Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and labor unions.

o   Develop and maintain positive relationships with union representatives.

o   Facilitate communication and cooperation between management and employees.

o   Maintain accurate records of labor relations activities and agreements.

• Collective Bargaining:

o   Assist in the preparation and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.

o   Conduct research and analysis to support contract negotiations.

o   Ensure that all agreements comply with applicable labor laws and union policies.

• Grievance and Dispute Resolution:

o   Manage the grievance process, ensuring timely and effective resolution of employee complaints.

o   Mediate disputes between employees and management.

o   Investigate and address workplace conflicts, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.

• Training and Development:

o   Develop and deliver training programs for management and employees on labor relations, conflict resolution, and compliance.

o   Provide guidance and support to HR and management on labor relations best practices.

CONTACTS: Regularly interacts with International Union employees across all levels of the organization; frequent cross-departmental collaboration and extensive contact with staff unions and attorneys is required. Must use discretion and exhibit a high level of professionalism. The ability to maintain confidentiality and anonymity is essential.  

DIRECTION AND DECISION-MAKING: Reports to the Director of People, Talent, and Human Resources and operates with high independence and minimal supervision. Must be able to take the initiative and remain proactive throughout complex practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a comparable degree preferred, and at least five (5) years of related work experience.  SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certifications are preferred but not required. All applicants must possess a combination of education and experience that would provide the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and dispute-resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of labor unions and their operations gained through union-side employment, or comparable experience working with non-profit or mission-driven organizations;
• Skillful ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at varying levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing;
• Tactful ability to manage up, laterally, and down;
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet established timelines;
• Demonstrated ability to handle, maintain, and control confidential and politically sensitive information;
• Demonstrated ability to represent the union in sensitive negotiations;
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the tasks required to complete assignments. Some travel and extended hours are required.