Labor Relations Program Manager

Introduction

Are you a current State of Connecticut employee who is an experienced and innovative Labor Relations or Human Resources leader with a passion for executing comprehensive Labor Relations services? Do you have what it takes to deliver collaborative and creative solutions to complex management challenges in a unionized environment? If so, read below and apply today!

Who We Are

At the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM), we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We also assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Labor Relations Program Manager position in Hartford, CT to direct Labor Relations systems in multiple assigned agencies. The grouping of assigned agencies is referred to as a POD. In this role, you will be responsible for leading agency-based Labor Relations staff in the delivery of Labor Relations services to assist the agencies within the POD in fulfilling their organizational missions. There will be an emphasis on the development of strong working relationships with both agency and union leadership to ensure consistent and timely implementation of Labor Relations solutions.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In the Office of Policy and Management, Office of Labor Relations this class is accountable for directing and providing leadership to labor relations staff deployed at state agencies.

Examples of Duties

• Manages labor relations functions and staff in agencies of the assigned Labor Relations POD
• Provides leadership and vision for numerous agencies through direction, guidance, accountability, and creativity to advance Labor Relations operations in support of agencies’ employees, leadership, and missions
• Partners with and is accountable for successful relationships with Agency Labor Relations Specialists, Human Resources Business Partners and other partners to appropriately deliver solutions to agency human resources needs, support business strategy, build meaningful capabilities, identify key roles and top talent, and create organizations that are built to accomplish their respective missions
• Tracks and analyzes trends and best practices in order to evolve and progress the assigned Labor Relations POD
• Reviews, evaluates and advises on policies, procedures and practices applicable to all aspects of the assigned Labor Relations POD
• Leads contract negotiation teams and provides technical support to other negotiation teams in the design and delivery of proposals
• Meets and confers with agency officials and management, union representatives, members of the public and others and renders appropriate advice
• Designs and delivers training on topics critical to the support of Labor Relations professionals, Human Resources Business Partners and agency leadership
• Studies and comments on proposed legislation, rules and regulations, and other proposals
• Leads through significant change
• May serve as a project team leader on complex human resources projects involving the development and implementation of new systems, LEAN initiatives, and other projects with statewide impact
• Performs related duties as required

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Knowledge of management principles and practices within a matrixed organization
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of collective bargaining and labor relations
• Knowledge of program development and administration
• Knowledge of investigatory practices
• Knowledge of legal principles and practice, civil procedure and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of rules of practice and procedures before administrative and judicial bodies
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public sector employment, job classification, compensation and benefits
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with agency officials, management and union representatives
• Ability to analyze and balance partners’ needs with laws, regulations, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements
• Ability to study and analyze emerging issues or problems and make sound evaluations, conclusions and recommendations
• Ability to identify statewide labor relations training needs and develop relevant curriculum and materials
• Ability to serve effectively as an advocate
• Ability to supervise
• Ability to plan strategically and apply innovative solutions to workforce problems

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience

• Ten (10) years of professional experience in labor relations or human resources management

Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience

• Three (3) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial capacity with substantial responsibility serving as co-chair over collective bargaining agreements
• For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Human Resources Business Partner 1, an Assistant Human Resources Business Partner or Agency Labor Relations Manager

Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed

• 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
• A Master’s degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience
• A law degree may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or higher in business administration, human resources management, labor/employee relations, psychology, Juris doctorate or related field
• At least three (3) years of experience in administering and managing labor relations systems for an entire agency
• Experience evaluating labor relations systems and developing effective solutions to address agency needs
• Experience facilitating large meetings and mediating contentious issues
• Experience utilizing available statewide Human Resources system resources to design creative solutions to comprehensive agency issues
• Experience developing and maintaining excellent working relationships within DAS Human Resources Business Partners assigned to each agency

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel

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.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.