| Position Title: |
Director of Labor Relations (or Assistant General Counsel for Labor Relations) |
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| Location: |
Big Rapids (Main Campus) |
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| Department: |
80200 - Govt Relations Admin
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| Advertised Salary: |
$130,000-$140,000. Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements. |
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Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
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| FLSA: |
Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Continuing |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Full-Time |
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| Union Group: |
N/A |
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| Term of Position: |
12 Month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
At Will |
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| Summary of Position: |
The Director of Labor Relations leads the university's strategy regarding unionized employees, acting as the primary negotiator and liaison with labor unions. They are responsible for collective bargaining, administering labor contracts, managing grievances, ensuring compliance with labor laws (e.g., state laws), and maintaining positive labor-management partnerships.
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| Position Type: |
Staff |
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| Required Education: |
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in labor relations, human resources, business, or a related field.
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| Required Work Experience: |
Five years professional work experience in the field of labor relations.
Must have experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements as the chief/assistant spokesperson and preparing for arbitrations.
Must have demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. |
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Repetitive movement
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate or equivalent.
Professional work experience in education and/or public sector. |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
Administer the University’s collective bargaining agreements.
Acts as the chief negotiator for collective bargaining, interpreting and applying labor contracts to daily operations.
Advise and counsel department administrators on procedures for addressing disciplinary issues.
Conduct or assist in conducting grievance hearings and attempt to resolve grievances.
Interpret contract language and the results of grievance arbitrations for administration.
Represent or assist in representing the University in grievance arbitration cases.
Work with CHRO on labor issues related to benefits, policies, and other matters.
Assist General Counsel as needed in preparing for arbitration.
Conduct labor relations training programs for supervisors.
Negotiate or assist in negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
Represent or assist in representing the University in hearings before Referees of the Michigan Employment Security Commission.
Research, collect, analyze, and prepare information for negotiations, grievance arbitration, and fact-finding.
Work closely with departmental administration and labor unions to find mutually acceptable solutions to issues.
Establish and maintain open communication with the various bargaining groups.
Advise management on various labor relations issues.
Assist, as requested, on faculty labor relations issues.
Respond to union information requests (PERA, etc.)
Investigate and respond to, or assist in responding to, grievances.
Reports directly to the General Counsel.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
Works in a liaison capacity with the various employee groups, and in partnership with the CHRO on labor relations as they apply to employment and benefit issues.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
Serve on various University committees as requested
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| Skills and Abilities: |
Expertise in collective bargaining, handling grievances, and negotiating with labor unions.
Labor Law Compliance: Thorough understanding of federal and state labor laws, regulations, and guidelines, such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Ability to handle complex, emotionally charged disputes and mediate grievances effectively.
Strategic Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills to articulate policies, manage internal communications, and build trust with stakeholders, including union leaders, employees, and management.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
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| Optional Documents: |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY: Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. All applicants must also complete a full application on the Ferris website at Director of Labor Relations (or Assistant General Counsel for Labor Relations). Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting Ferris State University for this search. Please contact Eric Christ, Senior Consultant (eric@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-800-9974) for further details. Phone: 614-798-8500 |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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April 6, 2026 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
Yes |
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Posting Close Date:
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD. |
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