Labor Relations Strategist Principal

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

JOB DETAILS
Department: HR Business Partners
FTE: 1.0
Shift(s): Days

Purpose of this position: Partners closely with executive leaders, bargaining teams, and HR teams to ensure alignment between bargaining strategy, contract administration, workforce planning, and organizational goals. Leads labor negotiations, analytics, trend analysis, and risk assessments to inform negotiations, grievance patterns, and workforce climate. Serves as main point of contact for contract implementation, leading project management internally and collaborating with HR peers. Collects and compiles labor metrics and data. Responds to RFIs from unions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as chief contract negotiator during contract negotiations; leads development of bargaining strategy, provides information and bargaining analysis with various Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS) constituents during negotiations and throughout duration of negotiated contract
• Provide recommendations to executive leadership regarding labor relations matters; keep executive leadership informed of bargaining status
• Provides training and/or advising for leaders and administrative personnel in subject areas related to the employee relations program of HHS, such as grievance processing, contract administration, and organizational campaigns. Assists or designs related training programs
• Chairs or facilitates labor/management committees, task forces or related initiatives
• Assists HR employees and leaders with contract interpretation and related labor issues
• Assists HR professionals and leaders in problem solving including, but not limited to, the creation of Memorandums of Understanding, guidelines or policy statements
• Represent HHS in proceedings such as bargaining unit determination hearings and appeals, mediation and arbitration of labor agreements, arbitration of grievances, and labor management committees
• Create appropriate procedures for, and participates in, the grievance and meet and confer processes
• Conduct research; prepare briefs and other documents for arbitration cases and conduct presentations at arbitration or mediation proceedings
• Provide subject matter expertise to functional and technical staff in the development of information system programs supporting existing and new contract language
• Performs other work as assigned but only after appropriate training

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or related field
• 7 years progressive HR generalist/management experience in multiple HR disciplines including employee/labor relations
• Experience leading union contract negotiations
  -OR-
• An approved equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Minnesota PELRA

Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of employment and labor law - federal and state statutes and regulations
• Adept at problem solving and conflict resolution
• Skilled in coaching and negotiation
• Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorties
• Flexible and available to interact with employees at all levels
• Ability to work in complex organizations (matrix, multi-cultural)
• Ability to build creditability, influence and negotiate at highest levels
• Strong communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills in order to influence direction and impact decisions
• Self-directed and motivated
• Ability to work well under pressure and flexible in adapting and responding to changing situations
• Skilled in coordinating and leading teams through key/critical work/work processes
• Skilled in business acumen
• Adaptable to changing priorities, tasks, and work schedules to meet customer service standards
• Effective use of all Windows-based applications such as Word, Excel and Power Point

You've made the right choice in considering Hennepin Healthcare for your employment. We offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals who want to make an impact in our patients' lives. We are dedicated to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to both current and prospective employees. We are driven to connect talented individuals with life-changing career opportunities, enabling you to provide exceptional care without exception. Thank you for considering Hennepin Healthcare as a future employer.

Please Note: Offers of employment from Hennepin Healthcare are conditional and contingent upon successful clearance of all background checks and pre-employment requirements.

Total Rewards Package:

• We offer a competitive pay rate based on your skills, licensure/certifications, education, experience related to this position, and internal equity.
• We provide an extensive benefits program that includes Medical; Dental; Vision; Life, Short and Long-term Term Disability Insurance; Retirement Funds; Paid Time Off; and Tuition reimbursement.
• For a complete list of our benefits, please visit our career site on why you should work for us.

Department: HR Business Partners Primary Location: MN-Minneapolis-Downtown Campus Standard Hours/FTE Status: FTE = 1.00 (80 hours per pay period) Shift Detail: Day Job Level: Staff Employee Status: Regular Eligible for Benefits: Yes Union/Non Union: Non-Union Min: $59.58 Max: $89.36 Job Posting: Jun-18-2026