ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CHIEF NEGOTIATOR (SPECIAL PROJECTS) - REMOTE

Job Posting For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP. Department Overview Systemwide Labor Relations (SWLR) is responsible for negotiating and administering 19 systemwide labor agreements and 14 local agreements with 16 unions covering approximately 170,000 academic and staff employees across the UC system. This includes bargaining on first contracts, successor contracts, accretion, impacts and effects bargaining, side letters, mid‑term modifications and the sunshine process. Administering the systemwide and local collective bargaining agreements also involves creating systemwide guidance around contract implementation and interpretation, handling formal requests for information, authoring and issuing critical union communications, and providing training, advice, and counsel to local labor relations staff across the system. SWLR also handles labor disputes, including grievance processing, unfair labor practice charges, and strike preparation and responses. SWLR collaborates closely with UC Legal, the Office of State Governmental Relations, and the External Relations & Communications team. Position Summary As Associate Director of Labor Relations / Chief Negotiator, you will lead across the UC system in advancing labor relations goals and fulfilling collective‑bargaining obligations. You will develop systemwide strategy and business processes around accretions, serve as negotiator for collective-bargaining and settlement agreements, and manage high‑stakes engagements. You will also project‑manage special projects such as strike planning, new legislation implementation, and change management, while cultivating collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This role requires deep labor relations expertise, strategic project management, and political acumen. The position is primarily remote within California, with required in‑person attendance at SWLR meetings and travel throughout the state for bargaining sessions. Candidates must reside in California or be willing to relocate. Key Responsibilities 40% COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: Serve as the University’s lead spokesperson and bargaining team lead in systemwide engagements, develop appropriate strategies, lead project planning, and communicate University priorities and policies at the bargaining table and in written communications. 40% LABOR RELATIONS SPECIAL PROJECTS: Design and execute on strategic projects, including requests for information processing, notice requirements, new legislation implementation, strike planning, and other special projects. Provide process improvement, change‑management expertise, capacity building, strategic communications, and risk escalation. 20% COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION: Build relationships with campus, medical center personnel, and partner units such as UC Legal, Communications, State Government Relations; collaborate on media or legislative inquiries, correspondence on contract implementation and dispute resolution; maintain communication during strikes and high‑stakes litigation. Required Qualifications Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in labor relations, human resources, labor and employment law or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Qualifications Minimum 4 years of experience in a large, complex organization, the public sector, higher education, or healthcare as a chief negotiator. Minimum 4 years of experience drafting collective‑bargaining proposals, contract language, and letters of understanding. Minimum 4 years of experience administering labor grievance and arbitration procedures, including dispute resolution. Skills and Abilities Subject‑matter expert in public labor relations with a history of skilled negotiation and contract drafting. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess and solve complex issues affecting the University’s strategic goals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences. Deep knowledge of labor and employment laws, collective‑bargaining terms, human resources policies, and federal and state regulations related to public‑sector bargaining. Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse staff and representing University positions to external constituencies, including union leadership during adversarial situations. Team‑oriented, able to build consensus and exchange ideas among project teams and internal units. Project‑management and organizational skills to plan and execute projects within tight deadlines and balance competing concerns. Ability to apply judgment and political acumen in problem‑solving within a complex institutional environment. Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training. Preferred: Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related area; Human Resources Professional Certification (SHRM‑CP or PHR) or Senior Human Resources Professional Certification (SHRM‑SCP or SPHR). Travel Requirements Approximately 25% travel for collective bargaining sessions throughout California and periodic department meetings. Job Title Labor Relations Representative 5 Job Code 000261 Salary Grade Grade 26 Pay Scale $180,000 – $215,000. This range reflects experience, skills, qualifications, and organizational needs. Benefits For details on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, visit Benefits of Belonging. Additional Information The position is primarily remote within California; required in‑person attendance at SWLR business meetings and travel throughout the state for bargaining sessions is mandatory. Candidates must reside in California or be willing to relocate. How to Apply Please attach a cover letter and resume with your application. Application Review Date The first review date for this job is July 23, 2026. The position will be open until filled. Conditions of Employment Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required. Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke and tobacco‑free as of January 1, 2014. Vaccination Policy: Compliance with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs is required. Misconduct Disclosure: The occupying candidate must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions concerning misconduct within the last seven years, current investigations, prior investigations, or appeals. Misconduct “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including but not limited to violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties APM‑035: Affiant Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment EEO 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 status under state or federal law. Accessibility If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California Office of the President