Summary

Provides specialized, professional support for institutional employee and labor relations activities within a core University division. Facilitates the implementation of and compliance with University policies, procedures and guidelines and collective bargaining agreements, in collaboration with Human Resources (HR) professionals, managers and employees. For positions within the Division of HR, investigates potential compliance violations and advises University constituents on opportunities for remediation/prevention of workplace issues that impact morale, productivity and organizational performance. Supports activities related to negotiating, maintaining and ensuring adherence to the University's collective bargaining agreements. Supports the development and implementation of process improvements and automation to enhance compliance, transparency, and accuracy of personnel processes and information. Provides guidance, expertise, and support to lower-level LER staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides specialized, professional consultation and training on employee relations and labor relations to managers, employees, LER staff, and Human Resources professionals, to include consultation on performance improvement, employee disciplinary issues and adherence to the University?s collective bargaining agreements.
2. Investigates potential compliance violations and advises University constituents on opportunities for remediation/prevention of workplace issues that impact morale, productivity and organizational performance, as appropriate to the position; determines, gathers, and analyzes evidentiary information necessary to evaluate compliance issues.
3. Supports activities related to negotiating, maintaining, and ensuring adherence to the University's collective bargaining agreements; directly participates in union negotiations and serves as a secondary point-of-contact for lower-level and mid-level union representatives; assists with problem resolution as it relates to the University's collective bargaining agreements.
4. Recommends and implements process improvements to enhance transparency and accuracy of personnel processes and information.
5. Provides guidance, expert interpretation of policy, and training to the University community to minimize potential adverse impact of lawsuits, compliance issues and complaints, and to resolve disputes at the lowest administrative level.
6. Develops and conducts or participates in specialized presentations and training, covering operational and/or technical HR-related information for specified areas of expertise.
7. Provides individual and/or group advice, guidance, and professional support to LER staff, Human Resources professionals, client representatives, and others with respect to interpretation and application of policies, practices, and procedures associated with employee and labor relations.
8. Evaluates and edits documentation associated with unionized employees, including grievance responses and disciplinary actions, applying subject-matter expertise to support an appropriate institutional response to a variety of complex situations.
9. Serves on various departmental, divisional, and University policy-making committees; participates directly in the formulation of policy, ensuring that administrative and human resources practices are in compliance with University regulations, policies, and appropriate laws.
10. Serves as back-up to the Deputy Title IX Representative, as outlined in provisions set by the Office of Equal Opportunity.
11. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Ability to lead lower-level staff.
• Demonstrated ability to write/amend documents that accurately captures issue(s).
• Ability to use independent judgement and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Advanced knowledge of equal opportunity and affirmative action requirements as related to public sector human resources procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of human resources administration principles and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, and public sector employment policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of compensation administration principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of FMLA and catastrophic leave policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of ADA, FLSA, and other employment legislation and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the field of labor relations.
• Ability to analyze complex information, and to define and solve problems.
• Ability to investigate and analyze claims information and to draw conclusions.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of current and emerging legislation, issues and trends as appropriate to the position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 06/30/2026