The Role:

The Director of Employee and Labor Relations is an organizational leader who provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized labor and employee relations expertise to resolve questions, concerns, and grievances for a large, complex group of employees in creative and effective ways. The Director represents the campus during negotiations and hearings and provides advanced professional advice and counsel to management on labor and employee relations issues, employee engagement efforts, and projects in support of a high-performance workplace. The Director works on labor and employee relations matters that are diverse and complex in scope and where analysis of data and situations requires evaluation of many factors and implications with broad impact on the organization.

What you will be doing:

This is a reimagined position wherein the Director of Employee and Labor Relations will set the vision, strategy and goals for all aspects of employee and labor relations across the University, develop and streamline policies and procedures, formally build the ELR department, strengthen relationships with unions, staff and managers, while being a leader in the exciting transformation at WWU!

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree plus 5 or more years of relevant work experience with at least 3 years in a supervisory/managerial role successfully leading and direction staff and/or teams, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Strong negotiating skills to settle issues and maintain harmony in the team

· Experience managing a dispute resolution program or grievance program

· Demonstrated experience with mediation and effective conflict resolution, facilitation, and consultation skills are required along with skills in fact-finding, analysis, problem-solving, and consulting to identify problems and recommend solutions

· Applicants must have the ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships across the University

· Strong critical thinking, analytical, research, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills

· Ability to build effective teams through goal setting, defining responsibilities, empowering team members, providing feedback, and adhering to deadlines

· Ability to use high-level discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling problems of a sensitive nature and security of confidential records

· Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements

· Familiarity with the uses of databases, data analysis, and modeling as management tools required Meticulous attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

· Postgraduate degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or Law

· Certification in Labor Relations Management

· Employee and/or labor relations experience in a higher education and/or public agency setting For more information, please view the position announcement on the WWU Careers website.

Western Washington University is proud to offer a comprehensive program including salary commensurate with experience and qualification, a leave plan, health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plan, and educational growth opportunities. Hiring range for the position is $112,878- 129,810 year dependent on qualifications and experience. Position tops out at $146,742. For more information about benefits, please review: Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.

See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 345 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3774 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Please also see WWU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check, including a sexual misconduct background check, will be conducted on all new hires and rehires.

All employees must comply with Western Washington University Immunization policies, including COVID vaccination by time of hire and Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis, to maximize the recruiting process. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.