Labor and Employee Relations Specialist
At a glance
Mid-level Employee Relations & Culture role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $81,312–$122,016 base.
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Guide faculty and graduate assistant union matters, including applying labor agreements and working through issues with union representatives
- Advise employees and leaders on discipline, workplace concerns, and practical routes to resolve sensitive cases
- Review grievance and complaint investigations, draw together findings, and recommend outcomes under applicable policies and agreements
- Represent Penn State in grievance meetings and hearings, and contribute proposals and records during bargaining
- Help put new agreements into practice through guidance and training for managers and HR colleagues
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree and at least six years of relevant experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience
- Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws
- Strong judgment, communication, and organization, with a record of collaborative problem-solving and managing several projects
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits someone with labor relations experience in a unionized workplace, especially in higher education supporting faculty or graduate assistants. The job is based at University Park, with a flexible arrangement that may be hybrid or remote only with approval. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor employment visas.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is seeking a skilled Labor and Employee Relations Senior Specialist. This position plays a key role in advancing positive labor and employee relations across all University locations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, the successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in union relations and will be actively involved in matters related to faculty and graduate assistant unionization at Penn State. This role serves as a primary point of contact for Human Resource Strategic Partners, managers, and employees on employee relations and labor relations matters and provides consultative guidance in support of the University’s labor strategy.
The duties will include:
- With a focus on faculty and graduate assistants, serving as a subject matter expert on union relations, including day-to-day administration of labor agreements and proactive engagement with union representatives on a variety of issues, with an emphasis on higher education academic environments.
- Advising on the resolution of employment and disciplinary issues.
- Counseling employees and advising leaders on sensitive workplace concerns, risk mitigation, and appropriate resolution pathways.
- Interpreting, applying, and assisting in the development of policy and contract language, and advising various audiences on appropriate application; assisting in drafting contract language and related labor documents as needed.
- Coordinating and/or assisting with investigations that arise from grievances, University hotlines, direct complaints, as well as those escalated from colleges and work units; synthesizing findings and recommending outcomes consistent with policy, law, and applicable agreements.
- Representing the University at informal problem-solving meetings and at formal grievance hearings, serving as liaison among management, employees, and union representatives; participating at the bargaining table and supporting bargaining strategy, proposals, and documentation.
- Assisting with implementation and administration of newly negotiated agreements, including developing guidance, templates, and tools to support consistent application across colleges and units.
- Training management and HR colleagues on new contracts, interpretation, and administration expectations; serving as a resource for ongoing questions and complex cases.
This position offers a flexible work arrangement. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Previous labor relations experience in a unionized workforce is preferred; higher education experience supporting management and University leadership in an environment with unionized faculty and/or graduate assistants is strongly preferred. The successful candidate must possess:
- Knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws.
- A solutions-oriented mind set with a proven track record of thoughtful and collaborative problem solving.
- Ability to manage multiple projects.
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, administrators, and outside agencies.
- Excellent judgment and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; an outstanding customer service orientation.
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment; and a vision to assess and respond to rapidly changing issues.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $81,312.00 - $122,016.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.