Labor Relations Staff Specialist

Rutgers University•New Brunswick, NJ

About The Position

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist for the Office of University Labor Relations. Reporting to the Director for Staff Labor Relations and Assistant Vice President for Staff Labor Relations, this position is responsible for assisting in the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of staff collective negotiations agreements for Rutgers University. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Participates in staff collective negotiations, designs and delivers workshops on employee and labor relations subjects, and develops and administers University employee and labor relations policies and procedures. Resolves a wide variety of complex employee – supervisor – and union-related employee relations and labor relations issues. Advises supervisors and employees about labor and employee relations matters. Implements the programs and other negotiated processes and procedures set forth in the various staff collective negotiations agreements, as well as provides guidance regarding such programs, procedures and processes. Conducts research on existing, new, and anticipated legislation as requested. Provides guidance on grievance procedures.· Provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies, in collaboration with University Human Resources. Works on a regular basis with the Office of Senior Vice President and General Counsel (“OGC”) on the presentation of, and strategy for, grievance and disciplinary arbitrations, PERC proceedings, and contract interpretation issues. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, and contributes to an inclusive learning and working environment (part of all key duties above). Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

A relevant advanced degree or law degree.
Prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector.
Experience costing proposals and wages in labor negotiations.

Responsibilities

Participates in staff collective negotiations
Designs and delivers workshops on employee and labor relations subjects
Develops and administers University employee and labor relations policies and procedures
Resolves a wide variety of complex employee – supervisor – and union-related employee relations and labor relations issues
Advises supervisors and employees about labor and employee relations matters
Implements the programs and other negotiated processes and procedures set forth in the various staff collective negotiations agreements, as well as provides guidance regarding such programs, procedures and processes
Conducts research on existing, new, and anticipated legislation as requested
Provides guidance on grievance procedures
Provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies, in collaboration with University Human Resources
Works on a regular basis with the Office of Senior Vice President and General Counsel (“OGC”) on the presentation of, and strategy for, grievance and disciplinary arbitrations, PERC proceedings, and contract interpretation issues
Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, and contributes to an inclusive learning and working environment (part of all key duties above)