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Director of Employee and Labor Relations

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR, USA

USD 160k-185k / year

Posted on Oct 4, 2025

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Position Information

Department	Univ Human Resources Central (XHR)
Position Title	Administrator 2-HR
Job Title	Director of Employee and Labor Relations
Appointment Type	Professional Faculty
Job Location	Corvallis
Benefits Eligible	Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary	University Human Resources is seeking a Director of Employee and Labor Relations. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Employee and Labor Relations is responsible for overseeing the implementation and day-to-day administration of the University’s collective bargaining agreements, specifically the agreements with the Coalition of Graduate Employees (CGE), Oregon State University Department of Public Safety Supervisor Association (OSUDPSSA), Oregon State University Public Safety Association (OSUPSA), United Academics of Oregon State University (UAOSU), and SEIU Local 503, OPEU (SEIU), and any subsequent or successor agreements reached. This position will represent the University as the University Human Resources (UHR) lead in bargaining sessions, labor management meetings, grievance proceedings, arbitrations, and other labor-related meetings with UAOSU, CGE, SEIU, OSUDPSSA, and OSUPSA. This position will provide support, advice and counsel regarding labor contracts to leaders, managers, HR professionals, and other members of the OSU community. When requested to do so, the Director of Employee and Labor Relations may also represent the University at hearings. This position also oversees the HR Strategic Partner (HRSP) team providing strategic leadership and partnership with university colleges and stakeholders relating to implementation of OSU HR policies, practices and operational processes. This position provides direct supervision to the Assistant/Associate Director of ELR and HRSPs and the Employee and Labor Relations Officers, whose primary employee relations focus is dedicated to professional faculty and the represented academic faculty, graduate assistants, sworn police officers, and classified employees, as well as oversight of a variety of compliance related programs. The Director of Employee and Labor Relations also provides supervision for Senior HRSP employees who provide leadership and supervision of HRSP and HR Associate employees. This position works with the Chief Human Resources Officer in the development and implementation of labor relations data analyses and data collection tools, reports, boilerplate, and/or templates; participate in arbitration and mediation; provide analytical assistance to management at all levels of the grievance process; provide interpretation of the five collective bargaining agreements; research issues relevant to contract interpretation/administration; develop resources and training materials for campus management; manage the process and compliance activities associated with grievances and arbitrations.
Why OSU?	Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. • Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities	Strategic Labor & Employee Relations 60% Serves as a University representative in union contract negotiations including drafting and vetting proposals and building management consensus on bargaining positions. Provides interpretation on five labor contracts and agreements on behalf of the University. Negotiates binding agreements on behalf of the University in accordance with University and organization objectives. Conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations; uses appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the Universities goals. Analyzes situations where there is impact beyond a single location involving a variety of factors to the most effective bargaining strategy. Responsible for administering day-to-date efforts related to the four collective bargaining agreements. Leads strike coordination to include providing departments with information and resources on strategies and tactics. Represents, prepares and/or assists in representing the University in grievance arbitration cases. Represents or assists in representing the University in hearing and arbitrations. Builds relationships with employee representatives, including union leadership. Collaborating with employing units on long-term labor strategies and solutions. Conducts training for supervisors in areas of discipline, grievance handling, and other labor relation matters. Facilitates on-going communication and working relationships with union representatives including coordination of joint labor-management committees in efforts to discuss and seek resolution of issues. Program Management and Consultative Problem Solving 20% Participate on University HR Senior Leadership Team Contributes to a holistic employee and labor relations model that ensures a customer service orientation for administrators and supervisors. Partner with University HR colleagues to source or develop training and resources for use across the OSU community. Addresses key labor relations concerns in a timely and engaging manner. Partners with HR colleagues to effectively implement cross-functional solutions to common concerns. Works collaboratively among diverse entities. Advises supervisors and human resource professionals on labor relations implications relating to complex individual and organization-wide issues or courses of action. Direct ELR and HRSP team activities. Oversee leadership of Compliance team and strategy. Develop program goals; develop and deploy assessment tools and adjust approach as necessary. Ensure teams act in congruence with culture, strategies and standards of the client units and university. Develop tools for employee and leadership use that reflect workforce trends, metrics and analytics. Supervision 15% Provides supervision to the Assistant/Associate Director of ELR, Assistant Director of HRSPs and the ELR Officers whose primary employee relations focus is dedicated to the represented academic faculty, graduate assistants, sworn police officers, classified employees, unrepresented professional faculty;; and to Senior HR Strategic Partners who lead a team of HR business partners. Provides effective team leadership, plan, assign, and review work. Determine training needs and recommend appropriate training; evaluate performance; initiate disciplinary actions; reward employee performance. Other Duties as Assigned 5% Supports UHR, as assigned, by serving on committees or participating in various programs or projects, which may include employee educational program design/development/delivery on employee and labor relations topics or other subjects. As needed, supports the consistent work of the combined team by maintaining sufficient knowledge of each other’s duties and procedures to provide backup coverage in cases of absences with minimal disruption to the workflow. Keep current in the occupational field to include new developments in concepts, practices, and regulations pertaining to labor relations. Serve as the university’s adjudicator on background check reviews.
What You Will Need	Bachelor’s degree, and five years of professional-level labor and employees relations experience or equivalent combination of skills, experience, and education that provides the incumbent with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the job. 5 years of Demonstrable skills and experience providing human resource consultation and strategy Experience leading labor negotiations in collective bargaining from start to finish of an inaugural and/or successor contract and experience serving on a negotiations team Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to labor issues and protected leaves Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; ability to synthesize information and communicate effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences. Ability to research, evaluate and analyze complex or conflicting data/information, develop valid conclusions and recommendations, and prepare clear and concise written reports on technical subject matter Proven history of helping leaders attract, retain and develop high performance teams. Proven ability to influence high-impact decisions, provide critical feedback, and lead difficult conversations. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with colleagues, hiring units, and interested parties from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Ability to work in a confidential environment. Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. Equivalent combination of skills, experience, and education that provides the incumbent with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the job This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have	Master’s degree in labor relations, conflict resolution, or related field; or a JD Deep knowledge of OSU HR policies, practices and operational processes. Seven years of professional-level labor relations experience Three years’ experience serving as a lead negotiator in collective bargaining Experience implementing the negotiated terms and conditions of a contract Experience with labor relations in higher education or public sector setting Experience leading negotiations for an organization with multiple unions Experience working with law enforcement in a unionized environment Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)
Working Conditions / Work Schedule	In normal conditions, this position will work within an office environment and may be expected to work after hours and on weekends to complete projects and/or meet objectives. This position is expected to be primarily onsite at the OSU Corvallis campus location and may be expected to travel to other OSU sites. This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods moving around office environment and the campus.
Pay Method	Salary
Pay Period	1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date	Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range	$160,000 - $185,000
Link to Position Description	https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/105409

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number	P09487UF
Number of Vacancies	1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date	12/01/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date	10/03/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date	10/24/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search	Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants	When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. For additional information please contact: Bonny Ray at bonny.ray@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-2806. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

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