Department: Human Resources
Duration of Position: Full year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 01/15/2024
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS453P
Pay Rate:
Compensation: The starting annual base salary range for this position is $81,700 to $115,000 (USD).

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar stands upon the homelands of the Munsee Lenape.Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically underrepresented groups.Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.Vassar College offers a comprehensive benefits package for administrators which includes:22 vacation days for full time employees - prorated if not full time, unlimited paid personal and sick time for use at the supervisors approval.14 paid holidays per year which includes the week between Christmas and New Years Day.A choice of three health plans (EPO, PPO, High Deductible), Participation in FSA, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.Voluntary, employee paid dental insurance plan.Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life InsuranceEmployer paid short-term and long-term disability programs.403(b) defined contribution plan after one year of service. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/retirement/New hires will be automatically enrolled in the SRA at a 4% employee contribution per paycheck.Tuition Benefits- Eligible after applicable waiting period. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/tuition/

Position Summary and Responsibilities
Reporting to the AVP for Human Resources, the Director, Employee and Labor Relations is a key administrator within the Human Resources function.

The Director is the main point of contact for labor and employee relations practices and processes and maintains strong, proactive, and positive relationships with the College's labor unions, managers, and other employees. They are a resource to the unions, union and non-union employees alike, and Vassar managers in maintaining a highly-engaged and effective workplace. They are available to assist employees with a broad range of issues, ranging from communication to work expectations. This role is critical to developing and sustaining strong partnerships between HR and the Administrative and Academic units and unions throughout the college.

The Director will be an approachable, interactive leader who will strive to promote and create positive work environments across union and non-union employment areas with the goal of increasing engagement, maximizing productivity, and reducing grievances by proactively identifying and resolving workplace issues.

This position will be required to be on campus full-time for the first two months of employment and then may be approved to telework for a maximum of two days per week.
Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance to senior officers and supervisors regarding labor and employee relations issues at all levels, including guidance on policy/contract interpretation and application. Train supervisors and managers on best practices in areas of team building, motivation, performance management and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and employment policies. Conduct administrative investigations into alleged employee misconduct and determine discipline as necessary. Liaise as needed with general counsel and EOAA/TIX regarding complex labor and employment issues.
• Oversee the employee relations function for all regular, non-union staff, including development and application of Human Resources policies, procedures, and related programs that establish standards of behavior and performance appropriate in the workplace.
• Mediate, address and resolve labor relations and personnel concerns in a timely and engaged manner. Coordinate the grievance process, including assisting management with steps 1 and 2 grievances and serving as step 3 in the grievance process as appropriate.
• Support union contract negotiations, including preparing documentation and drafting proposals, including analysis of benchmarking data and preparation of collective bargaining proposals.
• Maintain a visible role on campus. Organize and facilitate Labor management meetings; periodically check-in with both union employees and management.
• Identify and implement best practices and procedures related to the employee and labor relations function.
• Monitor and enhance the Attendance Program for hourly employees, including personal time and one-time payment processes.
• Manage the staff tier and classification review process and service employees' level moves across the four bargaining units, including probation reviews.
• Maintain relevant HR documentation, including web postings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in HR, including experience working in a union environment as a high-level decision maker and collective bargaining process and negotiations.
• Experience in non-profit and/or higher education preferred.
• Current knowledge of employment related regulations and laws.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal communication, high emotional intelligence.
• Attention to detail and an ability to handle multiple priorities at the same time, strong analytical skills and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and adeptness in learning new programs. Working knowledge of HR processes and systems.
• Creative problem-solving skills and able to independently troubleshoot challenges.
• Exceptional levels of professionalism and tact; ability to work in a confidential environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/3689.