Job Details

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS, CHIEF NEGOTIATOR - REMOTE

Location: Oakland
Job ID: 81837

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Labor Relations / Chief Negotiator plays a critical, high?visibility leadership role across the University of California system in furthering the Universitys mission and labor relations goals, which includes fulfillment of its collective?bargaining obligations under the California Higher Education Employee?Employer Relations Act (HEERA). As Associate Director/Chief Negotiator, you will have ultimate responsibility for all assigned negotiations and serve as the spokesperson and primary point of contact for labor negotiations across a subset of system?wide collective?bargaining agreements. You will excel in three primary areas: labor relations expertise demonstrated through professional experience and sharp strategic instincts; the ability to successfully project manage high?stakes collective bargaining; and a tenacious approach to fostering and maintaining effective and collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders including labor unions while pursuing the Universitys strategic goals and objectives. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: Serve as the Universitys lead spokesperson and bargaining team lead in systemwide collective?bargaining negotiations. Develop and apply appropriate bargaining strategies for complex or adversarial situations. Lead project planning efforts to engage stakeholders across the UC system and communicate the Universitys priorities at the bargaining table and in written communications.
• 40% CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Implement and administer collective?bargaining agreements, oversee labor relations procedures (grievances, unfair labor practice charges, requests for information, etc.), draft reports and memoranda to leadership on dispute resolution, and identify and escalate significant risk issues to the SWLR Executive Director.
• 20% COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION: Build and foster relationships with other University divisions (e.g., academic personnel, campuses, UC Legal, Communications, State Government Relations). Collaborate on media or legislative inquiries, legislative actions, correspondence regarding contract implementation, bargaining strategy, dispute resolution, and litigation. Maintain communication with key stakeholders during impasse proceedings, strikes, and high?stakes litigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience

• Required Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in labor relations, human resources, labor and employment law or related areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Minimum 4 years of experience as a chief negotiator in a large, complex organization, the public sector, higher education, or healthcare. Minimum 4 years of experience drafting collective?bargaining proposals, contract language, and letters of understanding. Minimum 4 years of experience administering labor grievance and arbitration procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Subject?matter expert in public labor relations with a proven negotiation record.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills for complex problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences.
• Thorough knowledge of labor and employment laws, collective bargaining terms, HR policies, and federal and state regulations relevant to public?sector collective bargaining.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with union leadership and other stakeholders.
• Experience working as part of a collaborative team, building consensus, and promoting the exchange of ideas.
• Project management and organizational skills to plan and execute projects within tight deadlines.
• Ability to apply judgment and political acumen in complex institutional environments.

Education

• Required Qualifications: Bachelors degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctorate or Masters degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related area. Human Resources Professional Certification (SHRM?CP or PHR) or Senior Human Resources Professional Certification (SHRM?SCP or SPHR).

Travel Requirements

25% travel as needed for collective bargaining sessions throughout California and periodic department meetings.

Job Title & Code

Labor Relations Representative 5 Job Code 000261 Grade 26 Payscale: $180,000 $210,000

Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, visit Benefits of Belonging.

Additional Information

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

How to Apply

Please attach a cover letter and resume with your application. The first review date for this job is November 13, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

• Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position.
• Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco?free.
• Vaccination Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
• Disclosures: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions related to misconduct.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Accessibility

If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at the Accessibility page or email the Human Resources Department at ...@ucop.edu.

Contact

To apply, visit