Sr. Director of Employee and Labor Relations

We are seeking a Sr. Director of Employee and Labor Relations, HR Policy, and Compliance who will be responsible for the operational leadership of labor relations and employee relations policies, procedures, and compliance. The Senior Director will work to coordinate JHU’s affirmative action plan for staff with appropriate departments, provide leadership in the development and administration of labor relations strategies, and oversee all employee relations policies and practices to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including federal, state, and local laws.

The Senior Director will design and implement effective administration of compliance and risk management programs and processes as they pertain to the HR function. In partnership with the Office of General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer, they will develop organizational compliance strategies and establish operating procedures and policies to ensure HR compliance across the University.

This role will serve as the co-lead negotiator in partnership with the legal and negotiations team in collective bargaining sessions and will work to resolve labor relations related matters affecting the union workforce. The Senior Director oversees the administration of collective bargaining agreements covering bargaining unit employees, including the grievance process, implementation of and guidance on CBA terms, investigation of conduct matters and policy and rules violations, and review of disciplinary actions. The Senior Director will serve as a 'thought leader' in providing current knowledge of HR labor, policy, and compliance trends to ensure the implementation of best practices. They will work in close collaboration with other JHU departments, HR functions, and leaders to foster and harmonize cross-functional collaboration.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing labor relations and employee relations across the institution and overseeing HR-related compliance, practices and policies in collaboration with the Chief Compliance Officer.
• Administers key policies and programs for the successful implementation of HR programs.
• Fosters a workplace environment consistent with the values and mission of the university.
• Investigates and evaluates union complaints or arguments to determine viability and propose dispute resolution.
• Oversees labor relations issues involving contract interpretation and union management relations in partnership with the university’s Office of General Counsel. This includes administration of collective bargaining agreements, including the grievance process, union relations, discipline and discharge, and coordination with managers of bargaining unit employees.
• Provides training to management regarding labor contract application and grievance procedures. Develops training strategy in accordance with CBA requirements.
• Builds and maintains relationships with university constituents to facilitate the successful management of the responsibilities of the office.
• Oversees annual process for developing JHU’s Affirmative Action Plan, as required by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Collaborates with risk management regarding threat assessments.
• Develops and implements union employee engagement strategies. Identifies trends and adheres to measurements of success in accomplishing these responsibilities and incorporating best practice.
• Provides guidance to university representatives regarding all Labor/Employee Relations matters pertaining to performance management, disciplinary actions, grievance process, severance administration separations, and appeals.
• Partners with the Executive Director, Strategic HR Delivery and HR Directors to design, develop, and implement proactive Employee and Labor Relations strategies, policies and associated practices for union and non-union employee populations.
• Develops compliance organizational strategies utilizing data, analysis, strategic thinking and knowledge of compliance and legal standards. Establishes functional objectives in line with organizational objectives by working closely with the University Compliance and Internal Audit Offices.
• Develops the office budget and maintains oversight of budget and operations of the office.
• Directs and/or prepares correspondence, reports, and presentations regarding assigned functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Ten or more years of Human Resources or related experience with a minimum of five years in a management role.
• Additional education may substitute for experience and additional experience may substitute for education to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.