Job Description
The Department of State Police (POL) is the primary public safety agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Human Resources (HR) Unit delivers high-level support for the Department to effectively carry out its mission by providing quality customer service and support to personnel. POL is currently seeking to add a qualified Director of Labor & Employee Relations. The position represents the Department in labor and employee relations matters including negotiations, discipline, grievances, policy development, contract interpretation, as well as provide day to day guidance regarding labor and employment issues.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
This position is responsible in representing the Department as the primary negotiator in collective bargaining and must demonstrate strong writing skills to craft clear, concise contract language and proposals as well as build collective bargaining strategy throughout the negotiation process.
Actively participate in collective bargaining of applicable bargaining units by developing comprehensive proposals and participate in negotiations as a Commonwealth main table bargaining team member.
Facilitate and participate in negotiations for impact bargaining and Labor-Management Committees or Working Groups as a team member or lead spokesperson and perform associated research and draft/finalize proposals and/or Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding.
Act as hearing officer and presenter in grievance Conferences from Step II through Step III and IV; issue written decisions; participate in settlement resolutions and draft settlement agreements while ensuring consistency with collective bargaining agreements (cba) and Department policies.
Assist and act in a confidential capacity to managers in developing and implementing personnel policies which promote administrative goals and as applicable conform with collective bargaining agreements.
Assist Department attorneys in representing the Department in matters at abirritation and before the Division of Labor Relations.
Conduct just cause disciplinary hearings for civilian personnel.
Provide guidance and direction to supervisors and managers, both sworn and civilian, regarding progressive discipline, employee evaluations, Remedial Development Plans, as well as other topics requiring interpretations of policies and collective bargaining agreements; and maintain related files and records.
Draft, develop, and negotiate specific work unit policies and procedures.
Aid and instruct supervisors and managers, both sworn and civilian, with various issues pertaining to the collective bargaining agreements, Department Policies and Procedures and Rules and Regulations, and various federal and state statutes and laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Oversee the civilian employee performance reviews and assist managers/supervisors with establishing remedial development plans and progressive discipline.
Direct and oversee staff and functions of the Labor & Employee Relations unit that include the Department's Leave Coordinator, ADA Coordinator, and EPRS program; organize and monitor associated work processes and performance.
Cultivate positive relationships with Department personnel and union representatives to facilitate harmonious labor relations.
Collaborate with Department personnel to develop, and improve policies, procedures, rules & regulations, and various guidelines, identify process improvement opportunities and implementation strategies; facilitate operational problem solving and work with Executive staff on decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a union setting or government agency in labor and employee relations.
Knowledge of and understanding of labor relations and interpretation of various collective bargaining agreements.
Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of labor and employment laws.
Able to communicate effectively in both written and oral expressions to convey information.
Ability to exercise effective judgment and discretion in handling confidential materials, and sensitivity to changing needs and situations.
A multi-tasker who can effectively adjust to changing priorities, work processes, and responsibilities.
Professional and resourceful style with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint and Outlook.
Ability to explain complex information simply.
An individual with a detail orientation who completes work duties and assignments accurately, efficiently, and effectively with minimal direction.
Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to prepare and perform presentations/trainings for a large group.
Significant supervisory and management experience and leading a team of professionals.
Ability to match individual employee skill sets to necessary job tasks and help them pivot as necessary to accomplish objectives.
An individual who can analyze workflow/trends to develop recommendations for new processes/procedures and/or improvements to existing processes/procedures.
An effective leader who develops and establishes rapport; maintains mutually productive relationships; and relates well to people from varied backgrounds in different situations.
Thorough understanding of human resources and labor relations principles, practices, and procedures.
Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the Department hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
Qualifications
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.