HR Employee and Labor Relations Officer – Director of Human Resources

HR Employee and Labor Relations Officer – Director of Human Resources

POSITION DETAILS

Central Office Human Resources (COHR) within University Human Resources (UHR) at The City University of New York (CUNY) is an integral service-oriented department that provides front-line HR services to the Chancellery and University employees working at various CUNY administrative offices located across New York City and Albany, NY.

The HR Employee and Labor Relations Officer provides strategic leadership and management of employee relations and human resources functions for the Central Office. Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources and serving as their backup, this role ensures a positive and inclusive work environment by advising on HR policies and handling employee relations issues. This position is integral to maintaining a positive and productive work environment within the Central Office, ensuring the effective execution of HR policies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth through delegation, motivation, and provision of needed resources. This streamlined role focuses on high-level strategic responsibilities to support a dynamic, fast paced, and effective HR environment.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages the grievance process, including facilitating grievance hearings, rendering decisions, supporting timely and appropriate resolution of labor issues, and working with management and union officials to resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Conducts highly confidential investigations of complaints; facilitates resolution of conflicts and mediates disputes.
• Oversees employee relations programs, activities, and initiatives.
• Advises supervisors and employees on employment and performance issues and recommends appropriate courses of action.
• Leads the end-to-end Reasonable Accommodation Review process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state/local regulations, and University policy. This includes but is not limited to conducting timely and thorough assessments of accommodation requests including review of medical documentation, evaluating job requirements, and collaborating with legal counsel and department leadership to ensure a fair and equitable process.
• Serves as a point of escalation and provides guidance on various types of leave requests to HR team members.
• Evaluates unique or challenging leave scenarios and provides clear, actionable recommendations to HR staff to support consistent decision-making.
• Provides direction and leadership to administrators and staff on HR policies, procedures, guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides ongoing training to managers and supervisors on performance management, disciplinary processes per labor contracts, and recommends strategies to resolve problems and disputes.
• Plans and implements policies and procedures related to recruitment, employee relations, performance management, classification and compensation, payroll, and benefits.
• Consults with the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Labor Relations on employee relations issues, when appropriate.
• Guides employees on ethics related inquiries in collaboration with OGC and NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
• Manages compliance with mandatory training initiatives and leads the Annual Review process with union representatives and facilities.
• Evaluates internal processes and implements continuous improvement.
• May serve as a Business Partner to critical departments and provide HR support.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

NOTE:

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.

Preferred:

• Eight to ten years of human resources experience including employee relations and labor relations.
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience conducting Step 1 and Step 2 hearings, investigations and/or mediations.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal employment laws and government compliance requirements applicable to human resources.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports; strong consultation, presentation, and group facilitation skills with experience presenting to various audiences.
• Exceptional analytical, evaluative, research, and critical thinking skills to arrive at valid conclusions, make recommendations, and action plans.
• Strong work ethic, character and personal integrity with the ability to work with the utmost professionalism, discretion and confidentiality, as well as to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills with the ability to use sound judgment to make decisions and resolve problems diplomatically.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs employee relations, communications, and related activities in a campus or unit.

• Serves as the primary resource on policies and management practices related to employee relations
• Directs work-related dispute and conflict resolution services (mediation, conciliation, negotiation) and participates in investigations
• May manage Labor Relations grievances and cases
• Identifies training needs and provides programs on employee relations and communications
• Prepares and distributes employee communications using various media
• Works collaboratively with Human Resources, Legal, and Labor Relations personnel and with management in other functions
• Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $137,185 - $150,497, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=30865&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE

Open unitl filled.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

30865

Location

Central Office