Associate Director, Labor Relations

Position Summary Associate Director of Labor Relations for the Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) Director within Staff Human Resources (SHR). This role provides strategic planning, expert analysis, consultation, coaching, and training to campus clients on labor contracts and labor relations matters. The Associate Director coordinates bargaining, represents the university in proceedings, manages grievances, and supervises Labor Relations Analysts. Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $160,000 - $170,000 annually. Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits. Schedule Information: Full-time, Fixed Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week Days of the Week: Mon-Fri Shift Includes: Day Job End Date: None Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Campus. Primarily fully remote with in-person campus presence as operationally necessary (candidate must reside in California). Union Representation: Non-Represented Travel: Up to 25% of the time Department Overview Staff Human Resources (SHR) supports university mission through benefits, business administration, compensation, learning and development, talent acquisition, and labor relations. ELR serves managers, supervisors, employees, labor unions, and represents the university in employment matters and contract negotiations. Job Duties 40% – Analysis and Consultation Lead and conduct complex analyses of labor issues and develop recommendations. Advise campus managers and HR liaisons on labor relations and employment law implications for complex issues. Administer collective bargaining agreements and ensure compliance. Work with management to recommend settlement options and attain settlement authority. 40% – Bargaining and Advocacy Apply expert labor relations concepts to represent campus objectives at bargaining sessions. Represent UC Santa Cruz in grievances, arbitrations, and other proceedings. Establish and maintain effective employee and labor‑management relations. Collaborate with union representatives to resolve complaints and grievances. Perform duties across multiple modalities (in‑person, virtual, hybrid). 15% – Supervision Supervise Labor Relations Analysts. Establish unit priorities, communicate expectations, and ensure accountability. Plan, assign, direct, and prioritize staff activities and projects. Ensure work accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with unit standards. Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and coordinate professional development. Identify training needs and develop training materials. Initiate disciplinary actions in compliance with policies and agreements. Recommend salary actions for direct reports. Lead the Employee and Labor Relations team. Build consensus among diverse stakeholders. 5% – Trainings Plan and deliver customized presentations to develop staff and managing skills on bargaining agreements, policies, procedures, and best practices. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training. Expert knowledge of system-wide and campus policies, collective bargaining agreements, and procedures. Expert knowledge of Labor Relations and understanding of its impact on other HR areas. Expert knowledge of dispute resolution, grievance procedures, and union contract administration. Expert knowledge of legal requirements to minimize exposure. In-depth knowledge of other HR areas; capable of developing and implementing organization-wide HR policies. Excellent negotiation skills for complex bargaining. Strong analytical skills for developing recommendations. High verbal, written, and presentation communication skills. Conflict and change management skills. Ability to handle difficult or volatile situations effectively. Ability to exercise excellent judgment in confidential matters. Ability to supervise, train, and lead team members. Leadership abilities. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or Juris Doctorate in related field. Experience in higher education. SHRM, CALPELRA, or alternative dispute resolution certifications. Special Conditions of Employment Pass a pre-employment criminal history background check. Pass employment misconduct disclosure process. Must have a valid California driver’s license. Ability to work long periods at a computer. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends. Hybrid work schedule required; fully remote option considered for CA residents with campus visits. Travel to multiple work locations, including nationally. Maintain professional appearance and conduct. Complete required training within established timeframes, including UC compliance training. Comply with University of California vaccination policy. Mandated reporter per Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act; report child abuse as required. Exercise discretion in handling sensitive information; safeguard confidential data. Disclosures and Safety Final candidates must disclose any recent misconduct or administrative decisions. All employees must follow safety procedures, attend required training, and promptly report accidents and injuries. EEO/AA Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. The University of California undertakes affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts in accordance with its federal and state contractor obligations. #J-18808-Ljbffr