GRIEVANCE RESPONSE MANAGER - REMOTE

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Department Overview

Systemwide Labor Relations (SWLR) at the UC Office of the President is responsible for negotiating and administering 15 systemwide labor agreements and 22 local agreements with 17 unions covering over 134,000 academic and staff employees across the UC system. This includes bargaining on first contracts, successor contracts, accretion, impacts and effects bargaining, mid-term modifications and the sunshine process. Administering the systemwide and local collective bargaining agreements also involves contract interpretation, contract implementation, grievance processing, handling formal requests for information, collaboration and coordination with Systemwide Human Resources departments, union communication, and providing training, advice and counsel to local labor relations staff across the system. Other key components that fall within the scope of SWLR include monitoring and ensuring compliance with bargaining agreements and legislation regarding contracting out services. SWLR collaborates closely with key par

Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director for Systemwide Labor Relations (SWLR), the Grievance Response Manager applies labor relations expertise to manage grievance responses across all unions and bargaining units in collaboration with SWLR leadership, labor relations professionals, and support staff. This role develops strategies, makes recommendations, and identifies trends across locations and unions. The manager consults with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and labor relations colleagues across all UC locations to enhance grievance processing efficiency and effectiveness. The Grievance Response Manager is expected to be a self-starter, working independently with minimal supervision, and providing innovative solutions to complex issues. The role requires advanced oral and written communication skills and a strong command of labor relations terminology and legal concepts. The manager collaborates effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, both in-person and remotely, while serving as a lead in grievance response and providing guidance to department professionals. 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% Grievance Management: Manage the full lifecycle of grievances from receipt to closure in tandem with LR Managers (LRMs) and Chief Negotiators (CNs) and with the operational support of LR Support Coordinators (LRSCs) understanding the nuances between different bargaining units. Apply expertise in application of contract language mandating unique handling of different types of grievances such as Article 5C grievances or academic unit grievances. Heavy emphasis is on preparing and issuing timely grievance responses and/or reviewing/finalizing responses. Facilitate arbitration processing including making recommendations to remand or retain grievances, ensuring locations and unions are informed appropriately, and participating in the arbitrator selection process. Work in a highly collaborative manner with others across the UC system including location leaders and union representatives. May take the lead to build consensus in a collaborative manner across diverse internal and external partners. Apply highly advanced labor relations concepts to represent the University's objectives in a way that advances the University's goals and priorities.

20% Grievance Response Strategies: Determine grievance response strategies in collaboration with UCOP colleagues and subject matter experts including Office of General Counsel and Systemwide Academic Personnel among others. Work closely with labor relations offices at campuses and medical centers to fully understand the background and context of grievances originating at their respective locations. Lead and conduct highly complex and varied analyses of issues or concepts and develops resulting recommendations. This includes identifying trends that may warrant a systemwide approach and/or ensuring consistency across separate grievances of a similar subject matter. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop a consistent approach to arbitrations across the system, ensuring alignment in case preparation and presentation. Identify issues or items associated with the subject of a grievance or group of grievances such as RFIs, unfair labor charges or settlements and ensure they are properly recorded in the Grievance Tracker and grievance files.

20% Process Improvement: Identify, develop and implement grievance response process improvement strategies and protocols in collaboration and consultation with SWLR team members as needed. Monitor the tracking of all grievance actions to ensure that records are complete, correct and timely. Strategically leverage use of the grievance management systems and tools including, but not limited to, SmartSheet. Ensure strict adherence to effective document management practices.

10% Assignment of Grievances: Determine how each grievance will be assigned and managed. Coordinate closely with LR Managers to ensure grievances are being addressed appropriately and timely. Maintain awareness and account for varying LR Manager workloads in determining action plans. Assume full responsibility for grievance responses and processing as warranted. Identify grievances that may require special handling and escalate to LR Executive Director and others as appropriate. Coordinate actions across multiple offices and individuals as needed. Ensure that the University meets timelines and contractual obligations effectively.

10% Grievance Intake Responsibilities: In collaboration with Labor Relations Support Coordinators, ensure that all grievances are logged in a timely manner and routed to the appropriate LR team members. Perform intake of grievances as needed based on operational and strategic considerations. Collaborate closely with the Associate Director of LR Operations to ensure adequate coverage of grievance intake duties.

Experience
Required Qualifications

Minimum 8 years relevant experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

Possesses advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the principles of advocacy in order to represent the organization in complex and sensitive circumstances.

Possesses specialized knowledge within the field of labor relations.

Capable of handling heavy caseload involving contract disputes.

Ability to successfully address multiple priorities in order of importance.

Demonstrated success working within a complex organization with multiple internal stakeholders.

Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with union representatives and colleagues.

Adept at facilitating efficient grievance processing involving contracts handled by multiple team members.

Passion for process improvement and identifying efficiencies with strong attention to detail.

Leadership skills to convene and lead meetings of University location LR professionals to identify trending grievance issues.

Preferred Qualifications

In-depth knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and the grievance process.

Education
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Travel Requirements
5% Occasional travel to UCOP headquarters in Oakland and systemwide meetings or retreats

Job Title
Labor Relations Representative 4

Job Code
000495

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$130,000 - $158,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position

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 be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 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. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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