Labor Relations Manager

Position & Salary

The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a Full time Labor Relations Manager (WMS Band 2) in the Human Resources Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented.

Salary range: $91,107 - $126,528 annually. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

About the Human Resources Division

The Human Resource Office (HRO) supports the mission of the AGO by providing a dynamic range of human resources-related programs and services to managers, employees, and candidates for employment. HRO is a caring team comprised of 26 employees who perform consulting, recruitment, training, HR operations, and internal communications support for the agency. We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that values belonging and respects and serves our employees. Engaging, developing, and retaining a qualified and highly competent workforce is our primary mission.

About the Labor Relations Manager Position & Essential Functions

In this management-level position, you will work closely and independently with senior leadership to develop labor engagement strategies. You will be the primary point of contact and liaison with labor unions and other key business partners and have the opportunity to represent the AGO as part of the management bargaining team during the statewide collective bargaining. This position will also serve as a key leader in helping supervisors and leaders develop competencies to successfully lead in organized working environments.

The Labor Relations Manager serves as the AGO's expert on labor relations. As part of this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Serving as the primary representative on behalf of AGO leadership with the exclusive bargaining representative.
• Assisting in the research, preparation, negotiation, and administration of the collective bargaining agreements covering state employees.
• Consulting with managers, senior agency leaders, HR colleagues, and the Office of Financial Management-State Human Resources on labor relations issues.
• Fostering a positive relationship with employees and labor organizations representing AGO positions.
• Collaborating with the HR team to develop and deliver labor relations training programs for supervisors and managers as necessary to ensure understanding of obligations under state law and collective bargaining agreements.
• Receiving and coordinating employee grievances filed under the CBAs, as well as unfair labor practices filed with the Public Employee Relations Commission or superior court. Assist and support the AGO and counsel through the arbitration process.
• Responding to union information requests.
• Identifying areas of opportunity and developing strategies to advance the AGO's commitment to anti-racism in areas that include human resources and labor relations.

Required Education & Experience

A minimum of six years of labor relations experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Examples of labor relations experience may include:

• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, arbitration, and decisions from the Washington Public Relations Commission or similar organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to train, educate, and advise leaders and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, employer policies, state employment and labor statutes, regulations, guidelines, and related processes.

Preferred/Desired Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in HR, labor relations, political science, organizational development, business, social or behavioral science, or related field.
• Professional Certification in training or HR certifications, such as CLRP, SPHR, or PHR.
• Washington State Experience: Senior-level management experience, including responsibilities for legislative activities, budgeting, and/or HR management.

Skills & Abilities

The most competitive applicants will possess the following experience and mindsets:

• Adaptability Ensuring that the AGO adjusts to changing business needs and is genuinely responsive to the perspectives of our employees and labor unions.
• Analysis & Problem Solving Examining data to grasp issues, draw conclusions, and find solutions.
• Communication Skills Conveying clear, timely, persuasive messages using appropriate language for the knowledge and understanding of the audience or reader.
• Conflict Resolution Initiating resolution to interpersonal and organizational conflict.
• Negotiation Reaching sustainable agreements that satisfy identified interests.
• Relationship Building & Influence Building constructive working relationships through mutual respect.
• Valuing Others Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Our ideal candidate is a thoughtful, collaborative colleague with experience in public labor relations and exemplary communication skills. They will be able to lead our organization in cultivating and maintaining solid and productive relationships with labor organizations representing many of our employees.

Typical successful backgrounds for this position include:

• Labor Relations professionals
• Human Resources professionals
• Labor workforce experience
• Labor attorneys
• Union experience
• Mediation experience

Application Instructions

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Requests

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.