Employee and Labor Relations Manager

Our Mission: We provide technology leadership across the Commonwealth to enhance the quality of public service and foster positive community outcomes.

About the Role:

EOTSS is seeking an experienced HR professional to collaborate with our managers and employees to provide direct strategic support in the areas of employee and labor relations, cultivating an effective, engaged and inclusive workforce.

The Employee and Labor Relations Manager will provide advice and guidance to employees and managers on a wide range of HR matters. The Manager will coach and counsel employees and managers regarding employee relations matters, interface with union representatives in furtherance of collective bargaining obligations and to foster productive labor relations, collaborate with the HRD Centers of Expertise (COE) t, conduct investigations, guide conflict resolution, and engage in employee performance management and development.

The primary work location for this role will be at One Ashburton Place Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM EST. This position is expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed.

All offers of employment into this position are conditional and subject to passing: a Massachusetts Criminal Background Check (CORI); a security clearance (fingerprinting) consistent with IRS and/or public safety requirements; and security training.

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead employee relations and labor relations efforts on behalf of the Secretariat. Act as primary liaison with Union representatives.
• Advise Director of HR and Deputy Director of HR on collective bargaining issues, represent EOTSS on bargaining proposal efforts and other labor matters.
• Advise employees and managers on workplace matters, advise on conflict resolution.
• Provide support (coaching, counseling, education) to managers on employee relations and contractual obligations.
• Educate and inform managers and employees on employment laws and workplace policies.
• Review and make recommendations for the organization's HR policies and procedures.
• Communicate updates and ensure compliance.
• Conduct workplace investigations and make recommendations on remedial measures.
• Develop information necessary for litigation, grievances and other related matters; write briefs or other hearing related material.
• Advise and counsel managers on HR best practices within performance management.
• Partner with the Workforce Engagement Manager to analyze employee feedback and data, with the aim of creating an engaged and inclusive environment.
• Coordinate communication sessions with managers and staff on a variety of topics.
• Lead and proactively contribute to HR workforce initiatives, including workforce planning, performance management and staff development.
• Participate in the management of the organization's leaves of absence program.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum 5 years' demonstrated experience in a variety of human resource disciplines, including policy development and compliance, employee relations, diversity, performance management, and federal and state respective employment laws.
• Proven 5+ years of practical experience in labor-management relations within a union environment.
• Strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, objective setting, and measurement skills.
• Experience in coaching, delivering constructive feedback, inspiring and developing staff.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of program data, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to persuade, influence and gain consensus of others.
• Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations and be flexible to meet changing priorities.
• Must maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• HR professional certification(s) preferred.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.