Company Overview
Nestled on a sprawling 1,232-acre campus near downtown Berkeley, this institution stands as a vibrant hub of innovation. Established in 1868 as the flagship of the University of California system, UC Berkeley, affectionately known as Cal, has been a wellspring of groundbreaking ideas for over a century.
Manager of Employee and Labor Relations
About Berkeley: UC Berkeley fosters an open, inclusive community rooted in academic excellence, a public mission, and a commitment to equity and social justice. We seek individuals who value diversity and align with our guiding principles. We support employee growth through professional development and numerous employee resource groups.
Departmental Overview (People & Culture): We are a proactive people partner focused on One HR (efficient processes), People (engagement and development), and Culture (shared mindset).
Position Summary: Reporting to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, you’ll ensure compliance with labor contracts, policies, and laws, maintaining positive labor-management relations with assigned unions and campus areas. You’ll lead an ELR team and handle labor and employee relations duties as needed, including negotiations, grievances, policy interpretation, and campus initiatives. You’ll also oversee investigations, arbitrations, and administrative processes. This role requires deep expertise in employee and labor relations, strong leadership, and the ability to make impactful, legally sound decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies.
- Manage a team handling complaint resolution (intake, investigation, resolution).
- Represent the campus in administrative proceedings and arbitrations.
- Support and oversee labor negotiations and strike-related activities.
- Provide leadership and development to direct reports.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners and unions.
Required Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Experience researching and resolving complex employee and labor relations issues.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Proven ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in employee and labor relations, including complaint resolution and policy compliance.
- Experience leading and developing HR professionals.
- Advanced knowledge of federal and state non-discrimination and labor laws (e.g., Title IX, Title VII, FEHA, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, CFRA, HEERA).
- Advanced knowledge of compliance and ethics principles.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor or SHRM Certification.
- 2+ years of experience training and leading ELR professionals.
- Experience using a case management system.
- Knowledge of other HR functions (ADA, FMLA, compensation, recruiting, benefits).