The City of Gresham’s Human Resources team is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations (E&LR) Manager with a demonstrated passion for utilizing a strategic, solutions-oriented approach to the management of employee and labor relations for the City.
What you will get to do:
The E&LR Manager will serve as a City bargaining representative and/or be chief spokesperson in labor negotiations, grievance and dispute resolution processes; lead/consult on investigations related to complaints and allegations of policy violations; create and maintain legally compliant employment policies.
Labor Relations – Manage, plan and direct a comprehensive labor relations program and oversee a labor relations policy and strategy that advances the City’s overall objectives that includes contract negotiations; negotiate, create, manage and maintenance of MOU/LOAs, grievances, dispute resolution processes in collaboration with the City Attorney Office, and labor management meetings; develop best practice policies and procedures that are consistent with stated objectives, federal, state and local laws; provide applicable training and guidance to HRBPs, management and staff in all aspects of labor relations.
Employee Relations – Provide professional Human Resources consulting services in the management of employee relations and personnel matters that maintains confidentiality and privileged information; provide guidance and/or investigate complaints of misconduct, discrimination and harassment as appropriate for the position and situation. This position is the City’s Drug Administrator Resource (DAR) and responsible for leading and managing the program by working with the HRBPs to address related issues and ensure the City is complying.
Supervision – Lead the team of HRBPs and Benefits and Leaves Administrator to achieve identified goals and objectives. Hire, supervise and evaluate work performance; manage the day-to-day operations, provide guidance, problem solve, create and implement team processes, identify development needs; develop performance metrics and professional development goals; provide and coordinate training; maintain a safe work environment for the HR staff.
Leadership – Serve as a member of the HR management team and participate in the development of the department’s goals, objectives, policies and procedures; model respectful working relationships, support City leadership in successfully responding to the changing needs of the organization; support and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives ensuring it is infused in all that the City does; set standards of excellence and create an environment for staff to focus on demonstrating excellence; demonstrate respect and integrity and be a disrupter.
Data Management and Analytics – Overseeing the collection, organization, storage and reporting of data related to employee and labor relations and leaves administration for the City ensuring data quality and collaborating with stakeholders to utilize data for informed decision-making.
Qualities we are looking for:
The Employee & Labor Relations Manager believes that people are the single most important asset to any organization and is committed to pursuing equitable, creative and thoughtful solutions for all employees and the City. We are seeking someone with the following demonstrated qualities:
Collaborative – Ability to successfully develop positive, effective relationships, cultivating an environment of respect, championing a work culture where all voices are heard and supported, works as a partner with City leadership and the three bargaining units.
Practical – Effectively applies skills and knowledge demonstrating their role as the subject matter expert, maintaining an understanding of the issues affecting the City and leveraging that knowledge to drive decisions that positively impact the City and meet the needs of employees while exhibiting critical thinking skills and the use of sound judgement and decision making.
Strategic and Inventive – Effectively balance strategy with empathy, flexibility with accountability and objectivity while being curious, seeking new ideas, consider new approaches and enjoying new challenges. Proven expertise as a policy and contract manager, negotiator and consultant in employee and labor relations matters.
Communicator – Effectively communicate to all levels with the organization and with our labor partners; is an active listener that values honesty and integrity and responds empathetically through transparent and clear communication while maintaining effective relationships.
Equitable - Work towards removing barriers. Acknowledge that historical systems and polices were designed to benefit some and burden others. Recognize that everyone does not start from an equal place. Accept, respect, value and support the diverse cultures and identities within our organization and our community. Be mindful and intentional in creating equitable outcomes and opportunities through our policies and systems.
Belonging – Effectively work towards the City’s value of leading with trust, being welcoming to all and seeking to understand others.
Supervision – Enjoys guiding, coaching and empowering individuals to facilitate positive employee relations and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive culture at the City. An ability to establish clear expectations, exhibit fairness and hold others accountable.
Integrity – Work with honesty, take accountability and be accountable to your staff, peers, the team and the organization.
Service – Effectively work with heart to not only ensure compliance with applicable state, federal and local laws but in doing the right thing.
Work schedule/environment:
The current schedule for this position is hybrid. Employees work on-site/in the office for a minimum of three (3) days per week. At this time, the City of Gresham is reviewing a return-to-office (RTO) policy which may increase in-person requirements with notice. The hiring manager for this position will have more up to date information at the time of all verbal/contingent offers.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, or related field
- Three (3) to six (6) years of related experience that includes experience in administering and bargaining union contracts and conducting complex workplace investigations in a unionized environment.
Or any combination of seven (7) to ten (10) years of related education, training, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for consideration.
Selection Process
To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of the linked job bulletin.
Required application materials:
- Complete online application (Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
- Answers to supplemental questions
The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.
For more details and to apply, visit: https://GreshamOregon.gov/jobs
If you have questions, please contact HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov