Director for Labor Relations

Company: Columbia Basin College
Location: Pasco
Posted on: January 26, 2025

Job Description:

Description
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.
The Director for Labor Relations is essential to Columbia Basin College's vision of transforming lives through economic and social mobility. This role ensures a stable and collaborative labor environment, enabling the College to attract, retain, and support talented faculty and staff. By aligning labor relations strategies with institutional priorities and fostering a culture of respect and equity, the Director helps maintain the organizational excellence needed to inspire, educate, and support CBC students in achieving their goals.This position reports to the Vice President for Human Resources & Legal Affairs.
This position is receiving applications until February 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Ashley Jordan at or (509) 542-4567.


Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain productive relationships with union leaders to promote a cooperative and respectful labor relations environment;
• Develop, review, and enforce labor relations policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements;
• Partner with leadership and departments to ensure labor relations practices are consistent, equitable, and aligned with institutional priorities;
• Educate College leadership and staff on labor relations best practices, collective bargaining processes, and conflict resolution strategies to build organizational capacity;
• Collaborate with HR leadership to create and implement strategic labor relations initiatives that support the College's mission and objectives;
• Support collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring agreements align with institutional goals and foster collaborative outcomes;
• Address grievances and labor-related concerns, collaborating with union representatives and stakeholders to achieve effective and fair resolutions;
• Conduct impartial investigations into workplace issues, ensuring adherence to due process and compliance with institutional policies;
• Maintain accurate documentation and manage records related to collective bargaining, grievances, investigations, and labor-management communications;
• Organize and lead labor-management meetings to address concerns, strengthen relationships, and foster ongoing dialogue; and
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
  Required Qualifications
  
• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or other relevant field that involved reading, interpreting, and explaining labor contracts; and
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining processes. OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities for this position. Preferred Qualifications
• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in labor relations, including direct involvement in collective bargaining; and
• Experience in higher education and/or public sector labor relations.
  Competencies
  Yes, And/Teamwork: Foster collaboration and inclusivity by embracing diverse perspectives and promoting constructive problem-solving with union representatives and leadership;
  Support for DEI: Advocate for equitable and inclusive labor relations practices that ensure fairness in negotiations and workplace policies;
  Leadership: Guide labor relations strategies with confidence, building trust and modeling professionalism in all interactions;
  Strategic Thinking: Align labor relations initiatives with long-term institutional goals, adapting to evolving challenges effectively;
  Communication Skills: Clearly and persuasively articulate labor relations strategies and processes to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and alignment;
  Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes and facilitate constructive dialogue to maintain productive relationships and minimize workplace disruptions;
  Problem-Solving Skills: Address labor disputes and grievances promptly with creative, strategic, and equitable solutions; and
  Analytical Skills: Evaluate complex labor data, contracts, and grievances to develop informed, effective solutions.
  Terms of Employment
  This is a full-time, overtime exempt, administrative staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands (this will include evening and weekend work as required).
  
  CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
  
  CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the "Benefits" tab for comprehensive benefits information.
  
  Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.Verify education at time of hire.Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.
  OTHER JOB ELEMENTSThe working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.WORKING CONDITIONSWhile performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. It is a fast paced and sometimes stressful service environment. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. This position has an occasional need for travel.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Keywords: Columbia Basin College, Pasco , Director for Labor Relations, Executive , Pasco, Washington