Job Description

Central Washington University is recruiting a Director, Labor Relations to join our Human Resources team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they are responsible for the comprehensive labor relations program for staff at the University. The role is a campus-based  position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $100,000 - $115,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.  

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year.  In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave.

The Role:

The Director, Labor Relations, manages the comprehensive labor relations program for staff at Central Washington University. Represents the university in labor management discussions including bargaining, grievances, arbitration, and other labor relations matters. Administers labor relations activities as they relate to all aspects of the collective bargaining agreements and conflict resolution between and amongst the university and its employees. Provides advice and training for supervisors, administrators, and employees.

The Director, Labor Relation directly affects the vision, mission and values of Central Washington University through building relationships with individuals inside and outside the university community; providing clear and concise information, resources and coaching to union representatives, employees, supervisors, and others in HR. In this way, employees are engaged and participate well - prepared to serve students, employees, and the entire CWU community in the best way possible.

All employees are expected to support CWU's commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

- Lead, coordinate, and participate in collective bargaining negotiations for staff including logistics, preparing reports, researching and analyzing data, proposing strategies and changes, maintaining all negotiation records and bargaining notes, and coordinating and responding to demands to bargain activities.
- Serve as primary contract for labor relations matters with staff unions and Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).
- Maintain tracking records for union requests and assists with record requests
- Oversee and guide the resolution of all types of labor relations issues including collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, arbitration, etc.
- Provide expert advice, guidance and on-going training for university management/supervisors and HR staff on labor contracts and practices, discipline and grievances in conjunction with university policies, regulations, and state and federal laws. Provide collaborative and consultative advice and counsel on labor contract administration, interpretation, application, and compliance.
- Provide support to employees, supervisors, and HR Partners in the disciplinary process.
- Lead fact finding investigations, respond to information requests, and represent the university both within the university and the larger community.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other university investigators.
- Support disciplinary processes.
- Work with supervisors to review performance and investigative issues and recommend the appropriate level of discipline.
- Maintain all disciplinary records and notes.
- Work with HR colleagues and CWU supervisors/managers to proactively address issues as they arise.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business or Public Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of HR or labor relations experience in public organizations, preferably higher education with progressively responsible experience to include:
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education in HR, labor relations, business or public administration, or related field.
• Higher education experience in HR or labor relations.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Ability to incorporate multicultural perspectives and issues into everyday conversations.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. This may be the job for you!

Salary: This position has a minimum annual salary of $80,717 and maximum annual salary of $121,075. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $100,000 - $115,000. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.  

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave. 

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting; 
   
• Resume including work history, education, training; and
   
• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: May 27, 2024

**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Name: Staci Sleigh-Layman
Title: Associate VP, Human Resources
Email: Staci.Sleigh-Layman@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-1256
Website: www.cwu.edu/about/offices/human-resources/index.php

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process. 

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

DEI Statement

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are all core to CWU's mission, vision and values to increase access to higher education for everyone regardless of identity. At CWU we work to ensure everyone's voice is not only heard but recognized and valued. We consistently strive to provide a safe, welcoming, and forward-thinking institution for all employees, students, and community members.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.