Senior Labor Relations Consultant

The Office of Human Resources is recruiting a Senior Labor Relations Consultant to join our Employee and Labor Relations Center of Expertise and Consulting team. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Labor Relations and serves as a lead or second-chair negotiator for the University in labor contract negotiations.

This is a hybrid schedule. Any in-person work is on the UMN Twin Cities campus.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The responsibilities include but are not limited to consulting on employee and labor relations matters, developing contract proposals, negotiating contracts, facilitating labor management committees, oversight of the grievance process and writing grievance decisions, and preparation for arbitration proceedings. This position partners with senior leadership to design, update and implement effective labor relations strategies.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with senior leadership to develop and execute proactive labor and management relations strategies and actions to ensure productive labor relations.
• Partners with OHR functional leaders to identify the University's goals and principles in the collective bargaining process and develops the bargaining strategy for each bargaining round with each union.
• Serves as lead or second-chair negotiator on behalf of the University during union contract negotiations and Bureau of Mediation Services mediation; provides information and conducts bargaining analyses with various University constituents before, during and throughout the duration of the contract negotiation process.
• Chairs or facilitates labor management committees, task forces, or related initiatives.
• Consults on contract interpretation and related labor issues to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, University policies and practices, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Serves as the hearing officer for union grievances at the final step preceding arbitration. Assists the Office of General Counsel as needed in preparation and presentation of grievances at arbitration.
• Collaborates with OHR senior leadership to manage University responses to union organizing activity and coordinates responses to union election campaigns, including training of management personnel, interfacing with unions and the Bureau of Mediation Services.
• Develops and delivers labor training for supervisors and the HR community.

Essential/Required Qualifications:

• A BA/BS degree in Human Resources or related field plus a minimum of 8 years labor relations experience.
• Experience must include serving as a lead or second chair in major labor contract negotiations, as well as an active role in grievance processing and advising management on union contract interpretation matters and arbitrations.
• Strong understanding of labor and employment laws.
• Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills, to include public speaking.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively participating in collaborative, team-oriented environments with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using Google Suite and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills.

• Experience facilitating and leading teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Human Resources/Industrial Relations or Juris Doctor degree.
• Experience serving on a labor management committee or other labor management initiatives.
• Union organizing campaign experience.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Public Employment in Labor Relations Act (PELRA).
• Experience working as a human resources generalist in a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders.
  
  

Pay Range: $120,000 - $140,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.