Overview ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Director, Labor Relations to join the team. The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - 150,000.00. Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.
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About ArtCenter: Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education with a reputation for a rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, professionals on the faculty, strong ties to industry, and a commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit, fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the College’s cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission, including upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Reporting to the Vice President, Employee Experience and Engagement (Human Resources), the Labor Relations Director will lead, facilitate and manage the College’s labor relations program. This includes developing policies, programs, practices and procedures and providing guidance for all labor relations matters. Working with labor counsel, the incumbent will serve as the College’s chief negotiator and guide bargaining strategies, while prioritizing positive experiences and engagement of students, faculty and staff, and maintaining the financial viability and high standard of education for which ArtCenter is known.
The incumbent will listen, learn and understand the needs of the College community and the guiding principles that drive our organizational culture to lead day-to-day administration, execution and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement, MOUs, and side letters, including compliance and project management of union contract negotiations, effects bargaining, information requests, grievance procedures, and dispute resolution.
This is a full-time in-region position. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires flexibility to meet the demands of the work, which could include weekends or evenings. It is expected that the incumbent perform work in the office at least three days per workweek.
Essential Functions Labor Administration — 60%
Timely respond to information requests for bargaining, hearings, NLRB lawsuits, mediations, arbitrations or other matters that require the College to respond; assess information required under the law and within the union contract; participate in proceedings as needed
Maintain a labor activity portal to track all labor activities
Lead committee meetings to facilitate proactive and positive labor relations with the union; prepare objectives and agendas
As a subject matter expert on labor relations, counsel and guide leadership, department heads, managers and supervisors on union issues
With strong knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement, provide ongoing interpretation and hold learning sessions for compliance and administration
In partnership with Marketing and Communications, communicate ongoing messaging about bargaining status and other labor relations issues
Act as the primary liaison for the union and cultivate professional relationships with internal and external union representatives
Oversee the grievance process to ensure compliance and facilitate solutions before mediation or arbitration
Comply with federal and state labor and employment laws (NLRB and NLRA); consult with legal as needed
Provide bargaining updates to the Board of Trustees, as requested
Contract Bargaining Administration — 30%
Serve as chief negotiator for the College, including new contracts, effects bargaining, MOUs, successor agreements, side agreements, settlement agreements and meet and confers; consult with legal counsel and the VP as needed for strategic direction
Work directly with the union’s chief negotiator(s) for bargaining schedules and processes
Collaborate with the union’s chief negotiator(s) to identify issues and responses for bargaining, including pre-negotiation strategic planning and handling new issues during negotiations
Meet with College administrators to define bargaining goals and principles and develop approaches for negotiations
Hold listening sessions to collect and analyze data from departments to assess current business practices and cost impact of bargaining initiatives
Use information from sessions to draft proposals, receive and assess feedback, track revisions, and record tentative agreements
Lead contract negotiating team (CNT) during meetings and negotiations; consult with subject matter experts as needed
Hear and investigate union claims of potential unfair labor practices; gather and coordinate information to form the College’s defense and assess merits
Organize and document steps of the bargaining process up to contract ratification or impasse protocols
Other Duties as Assigned — 10%
Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations
Serve on educational or college-wide committees and task forces
Research trends and best practices to inform bargaining and labor relations practices
Maintain bargaining records and files
Ongoing learning on federal and state labor and employment laws
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university
Minimum of 5 years of experience in labor relations, business affairs, or legal affairs
Proven analytical abilities and project management skills
Record of successful contract negotiations with strong interpersonal skills and diplomacy
Ability to bargain in good faith and represent the organization’s interests in wage and benefits negotiations
Ability to handle difficult or volatile situations productively
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to drive projects to completion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write union contract proposals
Reliability with confidential information and strong business acumen
Problem-solving, prioritization and time-management abilities
Advanced knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws
Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Zoom on Windows
Commitment to cultivating an inclusive, respectful environment in ArtCenter’s diverse communities
Ability to enforce and implement policies and procedures
Preferred Qualifications
Juris Doctor in employment law or related field
Higher education labor relations experience
Physical Demands and Working Environment
The conditions described describe the general nature of work performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Diversity Statement
ArtCenter is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging. We value multiple perspectives and strive to create an inclusive campus environment that supports participation of students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ArtCenter is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or other protected characteristics. Applicants may request accommodations for a disability.
Applicant Rights (Prior Cannabis Use)
ArtCenter will not request information about prior cannabis use or rely on criminal history for such information, unless permitted by law.
Employment At-Will
All employment with ArtCenter is at-will. The College reserves the right to terminate or modify terms of employment with or without cause and with or without prior notice.
ArtCenter Employees have a Mandatory Duty to Report
Employees must report certain misconduct as required by Title IX and CANRA regulations, including mandatory reporting duties for faculty.
The statements above describe general responsibilities and may be updated as needed.
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