Labor Relations Advocate

Labor Relations AdvocateUCLA, Campus Human Resources is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Advocate to represent the University in labor arbitrations, internal administrative hearings, and proceedings before the California Public Employment Relations Board. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the world's leading public research universities and make a meaningful impact in higher education. The budgeted salary range for this position is: $116,300-$159,970. Occasional travel is required. This is a hybrid position, and commuting to UCLA will be expected to work on campus multiple days each month. A cover letter is required. A writing sample will be requested if the candidate is invited for an interview. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Labor Relations in Campus Human Resources, the Labor Relations Advocate represents the University in labor arbitrations, internal administrative hearings, and proceedings before the California Public Employment Relations Board. Evaluate the merits of employee complaints (grievances, administrative reviews, and unfair labor practice charges) by interviewing witnesses, reviewing policies and relevant documentation, and contracts, conducting complex legal research, and identifying strategies for the University's response. Provides employee relations consultation to university management, employees, and designated representatives, including analysis and interpretation of university policies and procedures and applicable employment and labor law, contract administration, organizational change, problem-solving and decision-making assistance, and conflict resolution services. Participate in and lead supervisory/management training activities, including seminar design and facilitation on employee relations issues. Coach and counsel managers and employees in clarifying goals and objectives, and enhancing problem-solving, planning, and communication skills. Conduct workplace investigations and department training on applicable topics including contract interpretation and just cause. Participate as the University representative in both system-wide and local collective bargaining. Perform other duties as assigned. Occasional travel is required. Campus Human Resources provides a full range of human resource management services through its various units, including Health and Welfare Benefits, Compensation and Classification, Personnel Policy development and compliance, Employee and Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning, HR Information Systems, the Staff and Faculty Counseling Center, Learning and Organizational Development and the HR/Payroll Operations Center. CHR's Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) unit works to enhance the relationship between the University and Campus employees by providing direction and guidance on unions, policies, agreements, and more. ELR works closely with managers and supervisors across campus to ensure that the correct application of policies, procedures, and laws are being used to manage UCLA's diverse and dynamic workforce. Through various forms of intervention, ELR offers balanced advocacy to management and individual employees to protect their respective rights and facilitate a more harmonious work environment. Qualifications include experience in acting as management advocate in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and meet and discuss/confer sessions, including preparing witnesses, direct and cross-examination, opening and closing statements, and preparing motions. At least five years of experience in labor and employment law or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. Skill in writing clear, concise, analytical, legally correct, accurate, and persuasive briefs, appeals, motions, grievance responses, settlement agreements, and management positions is required. Skill in functioning in a demanding environment to resolve conflicts is required. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with all levels of management and employees, with arbitrators and administrative law judges, including the ability to present oral presentations to groups is required. Demonstrated ability to interpret and effectively explain complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel is required. Demonstrated ability to quickly establish rapport and professional credibility and to gain the trust of administrators, faculty, and staff at all levels of the University as well as individuals external to the University is required. Demonstrated ability to function as part of a team and to collaborate with colleagues to facilitate the resolution of employee relations and/or organizational issues is required. Demonstrated ability to appropriately handle confidential and/or sensitive information and/or documents, including information related to collective bargaining is required. Ability to work independently with general direction and minimal supervision is required. General knowledge of labor and employment laws, including public sector labor laws such as the California Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act ("HEERA"), National Labor Relations Act, California Labor Code, Fair Labor Standards Act, etc., including recent developments and practices, with applicability to the public sector is preferred. Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations include Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from an accredited American Bar Association (ABA) law school institution or Master's Degree of Legal Studies (MLS) recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) law school institution. Bachelor's Degree in a related area or equivalent work experience is required. Admitted to practice law in California or another U.S. jurisdiction is preferred. Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification. Human Resource Standards Institute (HRCI) Certification. Special Conditions for Employment include background check: continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse". 20% Occasional travel is required.