Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist (Hybrid Eligible)

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist (Hybrid Eligible)

Job Profile Title

Labor and Staff Relations Specialist Senior

Job Description Summary

Within the Division of Human Resources, the Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist reports to the Director, Staff and Labor Relations. The Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist will be responsible for assisting in and developing a comprehensive labor relations plan for the University as well as assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of an effective, comprehensive staff relations program in compliance with all University policies and procedures and federal, state and local laws and regulations.
To learn more about The Division of Human Resources at Penn, please visit https://www.hr.upenn.edu/

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, Staff and Labor Relations, the Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist will be responsible for assisting in and developing a comprehensive labor relations plan for the University as well as assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of an effective, comprehensive staff relations program in compliance with all University policies and procedures and federal, state and local laws and regulations.  

The position acts as the University’s 3rd step hearing officer and will assist the Office of General Counsel in preparation for arbitration hearings and may act as 1st chair in all assigned collective bargaining sessions.  The position will also be responsible for counseling managers and supervisors of unionized staff on the proper discipline and procedures as outlined in their respective collective bargaining agreement(s).  The position also counsels non-unionized staff and managers on a wide range of staff and work-related issues and provides guidance on the interpretation and application of University policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws.   

The Senior Staff and Labor Relations Specialist will advise management on restructuring/reorganization efforts and assist managers in enhancing management practices.  The position implements all staff relations programs, including but not limited to effective performance management programs, staff grievance procedure, and workplace issue resolution programs.   Lead special projects and develop & deliver presentations as assigned by the Manager, Staff and Labor Relations. 

Qualifications 

• BA/BS required, MA/MS in Human Resource Management or Labor Relations preferred. 
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible and varied experience in the Human Resources/Labor Relations field.
• Demonstrated experience in labor relations with five to seven years acting as first chair in collective bargaining sessions.
• Must have experience with multiple unions and in administering multiple collective bargaining agreements including grievance handling, contract and policy interpretation.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NLRA and other relative federal and state labor and employment laws.
• Solid employee/labor relations, conflict resolution, project management and coaching skills are required.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals at all levels. 
• Understanding and/or the ability to understand and apply University policies and procedures related to human resources and labor relations. 
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and implement a wide range of labor relations and human resources programs independently and in collaboration with other HR professionals. 
• PHR preferred. 

 

For consideration, please submit a cover letter as well as a resume in the CV section of your application. You can upload multiple documents to the "resume/CV section". 

 

Targeted Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually  

This Targeted Pay Range is only applicable to this job posting. All salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hybrid Eligible - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a work week divided between working onsite and working remotely.

Department / School

Human Resources

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

​

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay