Job Information
Western Washington University Student Employee Labor Relations Partner in Bellingham, Washington
Student Employee Labor Relations Partner
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/793/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=501941&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us) Work type: Project Full Time
Location: Bellingham, WA
Categories: Business and Financial Affairs
Position TitleStudent Employee Labor Relations Partner
About the University
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.
About the DepartmentHuman Resources supportsWestern's mission (https://president.wwu.edu/mission-strategic-plan) , which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.
About the PositionThe Student Employee Labor Relations Partner will play a crucial role in the development and management of Human Resources functions related to student employment. Focusing on customer service, effective communication and collaboration between unionized and non-unionized employee groups, this role requires a thorough understanding of collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and the nuances of managing a diverse workforce. The Partner will serve as a liaison between management, union representatives, and employees, fostering a positive work environment, addressing concerns, and ensuring compliance with policies and agreements.
In addition to labor relations, the Student Employee Labor Relations Partner will coordinate the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) that relates to student employment, ensuring accurate data management, payroll and reporting for both unionized and non-unionized employees. The Partner will use the HRIS to streamline processes, monitor compliance with collective agreements, and provide insights that support decision-making and strategic planning. Their work with the HRIS will be integral in maintaining fairness and equity across the workforce, enabling the Partner to effectively support the student employment.
This a project-employment position ending no later than September 2026.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
33% - Program Development & Administration
Lead the conceptualization and design of the Student Employment Program
Oversee program planning, management, and evaluation
Develop and administer systems for tracking required program and employment outcomes
Facilitate meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback, discuss program developments, and address concerns
Ensure workflows, trainings, and implementation of student employment program administration is developed cohesively
Identify potential risks associated with program operations and develop plans to mitigate these risks
Support the Director with monthly joint labor management meetings, coordinating meetings, taking notes, researching questions, and responding in a timely manner.
Provide support to WWU's bargaining team during contract negotiations, including conducting research, compiling data, and attending negotiation sessions and preparing meeting notes as needed
Stay updated on changes in employment laws, regulations, and industry trends related to staff unions and personnel groups
Identify opportunities to enhance employee morale and satisfaction, contributing to a high-performance work environment.
Promote a positive work culture and resolve conflicts in a professional and confidential manner.
33% - Student Employee & Labor Relations, Consultation, Guidance
Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to student employees, supervisors, and university leadership to provide expert guidance on a range of student employee and labor relations issues.
Interpret and apply Student Employment collective bargaining agreements, university policies, and relevant state and federal laws. Responsible for ensuring consistent application of rules and regulation.
Offer proactive solutions to enhance employee satisfaction and foster a positive working relationship between management and staff.
Deliver guidance on conflict resolution, communication skills, and other relevant topics.
Ability to review employee and supervisor concerns holistically, anticipate potential issues and diagnose the root cause through active listening and conscientious inquiry
Facilitate on-going communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations and other university stakeholders
33% - HRIS, Payroll, and Data Analytics
Maintain and update the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) specific to student employment and job entry
Ensure accurate data entry and integrity of student employee records
Generate reports and analyze HRIS data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes
Provide training, support, and best practices as it relates to student employment record creation and tracking
Collaborate with the payroll department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll for Student Union employees, including student workers.
Assist with timekeeping systems and ensure compliance with payroll policies and procedures.
Address and resolve payroll-related issues, discrepancies, and inquiries from staff and student employees.
Work with HRIS and payroll systems to streamline payroll processes, ensuring efficient integration and accuracy of data.
Provide support and training to staff on payroll systems and procedures, promoting adherence to best practices.
This is a full-time project employment position ending no later than September 2026.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
Three (3) years of relevant Human Resources experience
Experience that encompasses the main aspects of employee relations such as labor relations, collective bargaining, grievances, employee relations and performance management
Demonstrated commitment to support a workplace culture in which diversity is honored, respected, and celebrated
Demonstrated experience using sound judgement and problem-solving skills and making recommendations on complex issues
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve complex issues.
Analytical mindset with the ability to assess situations, identify potential issues, and develop effective solutions.
An appreciation for working collaboratively in a collegial, team-oriented department
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree with focus in employee/labor relations, human resources or other related field and five years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience
Experience in the public sector
Proven track record of working with classified staff unions
SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR and/or CCP certification
Conditions of EmploymentAll employees must comply with our Immunization policies, includingProof of Rubeola Measles Immunity (https://policy.wwu.edu/POL-U1300.01-Requiring-Proof-Of-Rubeola-Measles-Immunity) within 60-days of hire. Please reach out toHR@wwu.eduif you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
Salary Hiring range is $67,984 - $78,182. Through longevity this position tops out at $88,379/year.
Benefits Information
Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position (https://hr.wwu.edu/files/2022-01/Benefits%20-%20Professional%20Staff.pdf) .
Application Instructions
A cover letter and resume are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications. Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.
Closing Date NotesApplication review begins October 16, 2024; position is open until filled
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 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class (Interim) (https://policy.wwu.edu/POL-U1600.02-Prohibiting-Discrimination-Based-on-A-Protected-Class-Interim) . . Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (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 (https://hr.wwu.edu/disability-accommodations) , 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services atvpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at:Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (https://vpess.wwu.edu/files/docs/ASRCleryreport.pdf) .
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 will be conducted on all new hires which includes asexual misconduct background check (https://hr.wwu.edu/sexual-misconduct-background-checks) .
Job no: 501941
Advertised: Sep 17 2024 08:00 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: