Agency Labor Relations Manager

The State of Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management's (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) serves as the Governor's designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, for collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch state employees.

Are you an experienced and innovative Labor Relations or Human Resources professional with a passion for executing comprehensive Labor Relations Services within a matrix organization?

Do you have what it takes to guide the day-to-day employee and labor relations activities, coordinate with, and support Human Resources Business Partner and agency staff, to help foster a harmonious work environment?

We have an opportunity for you. The Office of Policy and Management's (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) seeks to hire an Agency Labor Relations Manager. This position is deployed to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and is accountable for providing leadership over the staff and operations of an agency’s labor relations program. DCF is comprised of six (6) Regions that break down into fourteen (14) area offices, 2 facilities, the Wilderness School, and Central Office.

The Agency Labor Relations Manager position is a full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday position located at the DCF Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT, with expectations of statewide travel.

The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, motivated, and possess strong ability to maintain working relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, will:
• Have excellent both verbal and writing communication abilities
• possess strong interpersonal skills to optimally work as part of a diverse team
• possess dynamic leadership skills

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off.

Please ensure that your application is complete and it includes how your experience meets the preferred qualifications as listed in this posting. (Please include your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.) You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.  

• Must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Statewide travel is required.

At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Frances Leon at Frances.Leon@ct.gov, 860.550.6489.

In the Office of Policy and Management’s Office of Labor Relations, this class is deployed at an agency and is accountable for providing leadership over the staff and operations of an agency’s labor relations program.

In a state agency this class will be accountable for providing leadership over the staff and operations of an agency’s labor relations program that involves collective bargaining agreements not under the jurisdiction of the Office of Labor Relations.

Oversees the DCF centralized labor relations unit, DCF grievance administration and collective bargaining administration for DCF.  Will supervise Agency Labor Relations Staff. Responsibilities shall include: Directing staff and operations of DCF' Labor Relations Unit; coordinate, plan and manage Labor Relations activities; formulate program goals and objectives; assist in development and implementation of agency human resource policies; interpret, administer and ensure compliance with state and federal human resources, employment and equal opportunity laws, regulations, policies and procedures; evaluate staff; maintain contacts with individuals stakeholders; provide statewide staff training and assistance; interpret and ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements; advise administrative officials, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations, human resources policy and procedure, proper organizational structure and use of class specifications; partner with administrative officials in strategic planning to ensure alignment of human resources activities with organizational goals and strategies; proactively plan to address emerging agency human resources needs including workforce planning; perform related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of: labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources management, and relevant state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures; 
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques, within a matrixed organization; 
• Knowledge of: employee classification and compensation; Considerable: interpersonal skills, oral and written communications skills, and negotiation and conflict resolution skills; 
• Considerable ability to: effectively conduct investigations, and analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and counsel employees; 
• Ability to: effectively serve as an advocate, supervise, and strategically plan and apply innovative solutions to workforce problems.

Nine (9) years of professional experience in labor relations or human resources management.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full advanced working level in human resources or labor relations management.

For state employees, this is interpreted at or above the level of a Principal Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources Generalist 3 or Agency Labor Relations Specialist.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or other closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3. A law degree may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

Preference shall be given to applicants with the following:  

Demonstrated experience managing and leading a team of Human Resources professionals

Considerable labor relations experience which includes conducting workplace investigations; preparing investigatory reports and evidence; negotiating settlements and bringing resolution to complex issues; and administering collective bargaining agreements

Managerial experience in labor relations within government, municipal and/or unionized environments Demonstrated experience interpreting the P2 union contract and working with District 1199/SEIU

Demonstrated experience interpreting and ensuring adherence to multiple collective bargaining agreements

Experience providing representation on behalf of an agency (employer) at grievances, unemployment hearings and assisting with arbitration preparation  

Experience negotiating and working with numerous bargaining units simultaneously

Experience serving as a resource to all levels of supervision and management regarding contract interpretation and steps in the grievance and progressive disciplinary process and application of HR policies and programs

Experience cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with union officials, employees, and management

Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and human resources regulations, polices, concepts and practices

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to orchestrate plans to resolve issues and mitigate risks.  

Substantial experience with conflict resolution Proficiency with CORE-CT and/or PeopleSoft and Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, Access and Outlook)

Demonstrated ability to manage a large volume of work and prioritize effectively to achieve results in a set timeframe

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Strong attention to detail

1.    Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

2.    Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.