Labor Relations Mediator

Labor Relations Mediator

The State Employment Relations Board (SERB) is seeking a skilled and impartial Labor Relations Mediator to support public-sector employers and unions across Ohio. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in dynamic environments, excels at conflict resolution, and is committed to fostering productive labor-management relationships. As a neutral third party, you will guide negotiations through mediation, help resolve disputes, and promote collaborative problem-solving—ensuring that parties are empowered to reach meaningful, self-determined agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Mediation and Negotiation Efforts: Intervene in collective bargaining negotiations to mediate disputed issues between employers and union representatives. Develop strategies for settlement, clarify issues, and help parties understand the implications of potential actions.
• Facilitate Labor-Management Collaboration: Conduct training on interest-based bargaining and labor-management cooperation techniques.
• Manage Mediation Activities Statewide: Plan, arrange, and conduct mediation sessions, bargaining meetings, and related activities across Ohio, including significant statewide travel.
• Resolve Impasses and Unfair Labor Practice Cases: Work to resolve negotiation impasses prior to fact-finding and promote mutually crafted settlements. Mediate unfair labor practice cases following probable cause determinations.
• Conduct Research and Prepare Documentation: Review and analyze negotiation and impasse data, historical cases, and contract information to prepare for mediation. Assist in preparing quarterly fact-finding/conciliation statistics reports.
• Engage with Stakeholders: Deliver presentations and speaking engagements to specialized audiences and the general public. Handle sensitive inquiries and maintain strong professional relationships with public officials, union representatives, and community stakeholders.

Why Work for the State of Ohio:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications:

7 years collective bargaining experience or equivalent closely related experience (e.g., personnel or business or public administration, or employee relations or industrial relations including Ohio Revised Code 4117) AND must be able to provide own transportation -Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. Job Skills: Labor Relations