Labor Relations Manager

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Graduate degree (i.e. Master's degree, JD, etc.) (foreign equivalent or higher). Five (5) years of directly related experience in any of the following areas: investigative, labor relations/employment, or mediation/alternative dispute resolution. Investigative experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Juris Doctor degree (or foreign equivalent). Knowledge of and experience working with federal and/or New York State employment laws. Experience in Higher Education, public sector, and/or a unionized setting.

Brief Description of Duties:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, and in consultation with the appropriate offices such as Human Resources and Counsel's Office, the Senior Labor Relations Associate Manager investigates and resolves grievances that are filed pursuant to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements; investigates and resolves potential disciplinary matters; provides guidance to managers and employees concerning the interpretation of the collective bargaining agreements and Research Foundation for SUNY RF policies and procedures, and works to ensure the consistent and equitable application of the provisions of these agreements and policies, procedures and laws pertaining to the workplace. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The selected candidate should possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Investigate potential disciplinary cases. Reviews requests for disciplinary action from supervisor, identify witnesses to be interviewed and prepare questions and documentation needed for witness interviews and employee interrogation. Familiar with and adherence to contractual requirements and SUNY guidance in conducting disciplinary investigations and completes investigations in a timely manner. Prepares Notice of Discipline. Works with senior leadership to seek resolution to Notices of Discipline and, where settlement is not possible, participates in the subsequent steps in the disciplinary process, including arbitration.
• Reviews grievance and meets with grievant, union representatives and supervisors, where appropriate, to gather information and evaluate the allegation with the goal of resolving the issue in a timely manner. Where settlement is not possible, as the President's designee, and in consultation with senior leadership, issues a Step 1 decision and represents the University in subsequent steps in the grievance process, including arbitration.
• Provides guidance to Supervisors in the interpretation of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements affecting employees. Provides advice to supervisors on counseling employees and evaluating potential disciplinary matters for both State and Research Foundation.
• Meet regularly with union representation to discuss contract administration issues including potential contract grievances and workplace concerns. Identify and clarify issues and, in conjunction with the affected Department, work to resolve issues. Conduct formal and informal labor/management meetings of each bargaining unit. Prepare materials for these meetings, supervising the preparation of minutes and monitoring the progress of agreed upon resolutions. Prepare and participate in labor/management committees. Oversee the implementation of specific contractual programs such as quality of work-life grant proposals.
• Development and implementation of policies and procedures affecting both State and Research Foundation employees, consulting with SUNY Systems Administration, the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, Research Foundation administrators and local, regional, and statewide bargaining unit representatives, as appropriate. Advise supervisors regarding mandatory terms and conditions of employment of State employees covered by the Taylor Law. Provide and participate in training activities, including supervisory training.
• As a member of the Employee and Labor Relations Department, participate in regular meetings to review and revise current practice and policy, with specific emphasis on ensuring consistency in the administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements and the Policies of the Board of Trustees, RF policies and procedures, Civil Service Law and University policies and procedures and State Regulations and Federal Law as they pertain to the workplace.
• Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below, it represents SBU's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.