Labor Relations Advocate – LR Consultant 4 Full Time

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/07/2023
• Closing Date: 11/17/2023
• Job ID: 70053
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Mn Management & Budget / Mn Mgmt & Budget -Confidential
• Division/Unit: Labor Relations Agency Support
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.74 – $58.96 / hourly; $82,977 – $123,108 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 – Confidential/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes – This position will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule based on business need or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to complete a telework agreement if they work a hybrid schedule. The position will require occasional in office meetings or attendance at in person arbitration hearings.
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

This position, reporting to the Enterprise Labor Relations Director, Minnesota Management and Budget (“MMB”), will represent executive branch agencies at labor arbitrations, mediations with the Bureau of Mediation Services, hearings under the Veterans Preference Act, and other administrative proceedings. This position assists in the preparation and presents arbitration cases; conducts and participates in labor relations training; resolves grievances and other disputes with union agents; investigates and presents cases in administrative forums, including the Public Employment Relations Board and the Bureau of Mediation Services; and provides other technical staff assistance in all other phases of labor relations functions of the Labor Relations department. At the direction of the Enterprise Labor Relations Director, this position also will be responsible to review and assist with work products related to arbitrations and serve as a department leader on arbitration matters.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for the Labor Relations Advocate, an applicant must possess:

At least five (5) years of advanced professional level human resources/labor relations experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial relations, business or public administration plus four (4) years of advanced professional level human resources/labor relations experience OR a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations or a J.D. plus two (2) years of advanced professional level human resources/labor relations experience OR a J.D. plus two (2) years of arbitration or litigation experience as a practicing attorney. 

In addition to the above, all applicants must have:

• Experience independently representing/advocating for management in rights and/or interest arbitration/mediation or other similar administrative proceeding, or other experience litigating in court.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex labor relations/human resources related issues and trends, identify areas of research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions, and provide guidance to agencies on these issues;
• Analytical skills sufficient to interpret and administer labor agreements, administrative policies/procedures/rules and to determine the appropriate advice for management;
• Excellent communication skills and written work product to advocate in arbitrations and other administrative processes on behalf of state agencies, and to provide training, guidance and advice on complex labor issues. 
• Knowledge of labor relations principles and practices, and collective bargaining;
• High level of human relations skills, discretion, confidentiality to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, operating agencies and the public and deliver/explain negative decisions;
• Computer software skills using Microsoft Office products.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D or LLM.
• Experience working in a human resources/labor relations department in the public sector.

Writing Sample:

Individuals who are selected for interview will be requested to submit a writing sample.

Additional Requirements

Minnesota Management and Budget will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.