Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Stanford University Human Resources (UHR) is seeking a Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist who will contribute to all areas of employee and labor relations university-wide. This position includes interpreting and drafting policy/contract language, providing guidance on corrective actions, separations, and grievances, and conducting investigations and drafting reports. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to make sound decisions while maintaining the highest level of discretion and confidentiality, will be self-motivated in a fast-paced environment, and have the ability to work independently and with a team.
JOB PURPOSE:
Provide advice, counsel and training to Human Resources managers, managers, employees and other members of the Stanford community in employee and labor relations matters.
CORE DUTIES:
- Provide direct services to client groups as assigned. Act as a resource to managers, supervisors, employees, and local Human Resources offices to interpret policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Handle all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions to employment disputes. Provide guidance regarding and/or create and maintain accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
- Responsible for university-wide management of employee and labor relations programs such as grievances, background check adjudications, layoffs, terminations, labor contract management and policy administration and development. Provide advice and counsel to all university units regarding these programs.
- Create and maintain policies, procedures and guidelines, and lead projects to completion.
- Provide guidance regarding layoffs, terminations, corrective action, and/or grievances. Must facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
- Manage local efforts at the direction of counsel related to employment litigation and government agency charges. Manage communication of potential employment litigation and/or risks to counsel and obtains legal counsel on employment matters as needed.
- Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
- Design and deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and local Human Resource offices pertaining to employee relations and related compliance (e.g., training concerning policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
- Provide advice and guidance regarding Stanford’s Protection of Minors policy and program, including compliance with associated policy requirements.
- Research trends and practices in labor/employee relations, and recommend programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university; research and craft new policies for approval.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in human resources management, labor law, organizational behavior or other related field and ten years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge regarding employee and labor relations, the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal employment laws.
- Working knowledge of Employment Retirement Income Security Act requirements.
- Demonstrated experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques. Experience managing a dispute resolution program or grievance program.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment.
- Excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements. Experience with interest-based negotiations and problem solving strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills. Must have excellent presentation skills. Project management skills in a multiple location/unit environment.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, and grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
- Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
- Rarely kneel/crawl.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Travel on campus to schools/units, occasional out of town travel.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
