Director of Human Resources and Labor / Employee Relations

About the position

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Human Resources will be a key member of a highly collaborative team. The Director will play a critical role in shaping and executing the HR strategy to support MassArt's mission, vision, and goals. The Director is responsible for labor and employee relations, medical and other leaves, benefits administration and belonging functions within the organization. Also responsible for providing responsive, strategic, transparent human resources leadership and consulting services to the MassArt community. The Director is responsible for coordination and direction of labor/employee relations programs and functions. The Director also provides support to departments in various other areas of HR, including benefits & compensation, organizational development, coaching, operations, engagement, learning and development and compliance. The Director takes a customer service approach with their work so that people seek out HR for help in working through organizational and people opportunities and have confidence in HR's ability to deliver high-quality and efficient solutions. Will serve as back-up at the request of the Executive Director or CHRO.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a strategic partner, working closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Director of HR and Payroll, in developing, implementing, and evaluating ongoing HR policies, programs, functions and activities ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the College and ensuring that the College is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assists with the implementation and administration of the collective bargaining agreements, ensures compliance with contractual provisions and advises faculty and staff to ensure observance of timelines and procedures.
• Responsible for labor and employee relations services to faculty and staff including policy interpretation, job-related counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Participate in the investigation and resolution of ongoing employee relations problems, anticipate problems whenever possible, and develop, recommend, and initiate appropriate steps for resolution.
• Develops and recommends strategies for labor management and employee relations.
• Ensures the College complies with applicable bargaining agreements and relevant state and federal regulations.
• Provides on-going guidance to supervisors related to performance management/improvement and disciplinary actions.
• Serve as the College liaison with union partners based on assignment by the CHRO and in consultation with the Provost for faculty union issues.
• Ensures the effectiveness of professional development, and engagement and recognition programs, to provide all employees opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Participates in developing department goals, objectives.
• Works with CHRO and the Executive Director of HR and Payroll in developing, implementing, and evaluating ongoing HR policies, programs, functions and activities ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the College and ensuring that the College is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Administers and serves as advisor to employees on personnel matters including but not limited to benefits, medical leaves including FMLA and PFML, ADA requests, workers' compensation, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreement benefits.
• Advise and meet with employees regarding health and insurance benefits and all leave matters, including but not limited to; FMLA, PFML, ADA, WRC, etc.
• Maintains and improves systems to process human resources transactions and records and conducts research, collects data, provides analysis and prepares reports relevant to the College's leaves, benefits, and employee and labor relations activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of and interprets, implements and complies with federal, state, local laws and labor contracts that affect the human resources functions of the College, including mandatory training requirements.
• Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws and discuss the impact of changes with CHRO and Executive Director of HR and Payroll.
• Ensures that supervisors and College leaders consistently administer College policies and procedures related to human resource management, are advised on human resource matters, and are supported in developing a culture of accountability, shared governance, innovation and employee engagement.
• Represents MassArt by presenting and participating at conferences. Participates in professional organizations and builds strategic relationships through networking.
• Serves as liaison to the Department of Industrial Accidents, Department of Family and Medical Leave, and other agencies as needed.
• At the request of the CHRO, may be asked to participate in committees, meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required in HR or related field with at least three year's progressively responsible relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, handle and follow through on competing assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in employee and labor relations, medical leaves, and benefits administration.
• Strong customer service, organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office applications.
• Must have flexibility with changing work conditions and assignments.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience and skills to quickly learn new systems and applications.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
• Experience with applicant tracking systems, i.e. Interview Exchange and/or Ellucian Colleague.
• High level of customer service skills

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual ability to speak, write and read Spanish.
• Experience working with Collective Bargaining Agreements preferably AFSCME, APA, MSCA.
• Strong proficiency with HR/CMS skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment with confidential/sensitive material and information.
• Ability to create, manage, and administer training and development plans for employees.
• Ability to collaborate in a team-based environment and interact effectively.
• Ability to function independently in a role that often requires multi-tasking of duties.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.