Sr Employee / Labor Relations Professional / Senior Human Resources Professional II

Working/Functional Title

Sr Employee/Labor Relations Professional

Position Summary

Position Summary

Michigan State University is seeking a skilled and experienced labor relations professional to serve as a trusted advisor to university leaders, HR professionals, and employees in support of effective employee and labor relations practices across the institution. This position supports the university's labor relations strategy through collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, workplace investigations, performance and conduct consultation, policy interpretation, and dispute resolution while ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, university policies, and applicable employment laws.

The role partners closely with HR colleagues, university leadership, labor representatives, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to foster productive labor-management relationships, support consistent and equitable workplace practices, mitigate organizational risk, and advance positive workforce outcomes. Additionally, the position contributes to training initiatives, policy development, and proactive labor relations strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness across the university.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $85,000 – $100,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University.  Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required generally three days per week. Work demands may at times require additional onsite days. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

What You’ll Do

• Provide consultative guidance to unit HR, leaders, and supervisors on employee and labor relations matters, including performance management, corrective action, workplace conduct, and contract administration
• Serve as a primary liaison between university leadership and labor unions, fostering productive labor-management relationships and facilitating ongoing communication
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, university policies, and established practices to support consistent and compliant decision-making
• Partner with leaders to proactively identify and resolve employee and labor relations issues, recommending practical solutions that reduce risk and support positive workplace outcomes
• Conduct and guide workplace investigations, evaluate performance and conduct concerns, and provide recommendations regarding corrective and disciplinary actions
• Lead collective bargaining activities for assigned bargaining units, including negotiation strategy, proposal development, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and contract implementation
• Represent the university throughout the grievance process, including grievance meetings, dispute resolution efforts, fact-finding activities, and arbitration preparation
• Analyze labor relations trends, contract provisions, case outcomes, and workforce issues to develop recommendations that support operational effectiveness and informed decision-making
• Contribute to the development, revision, implementation, and communication of employee and labor relations policies and practices
• Design and deliver training and educational programs that strengthen leadership capability and promote consistent application of labor relations and employee relations practices across the university
• Participate in departmental, unit, or university committees

What We’re Looking For

• Strong knowledge of labor relations, employee relations, collective bargaining administration, and employment law, with the ability to navigate complex workplace situations
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultative guidance and build trusted relationships with leaders, HR professionals, employees, and labor representatives
• Proven negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills with the ability to achieve effective outcomes in both academic and support staff environments
• Ability to analyze complex information, interpret contract language and policies, and translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, including experience presenting, training, and influencing diverse stakeholder groups

Why Join Us

• Play a key role in shaping labor relations strategy and supporting a positive, productive work environment across one of the nation's leading research universities
• Lead impactful work that influences collective bargaining, employee relations, policy development, and workforce effectiveness at an institutional level
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven HR team committed to partnership, continuous improvement, service excellence, and supporting the success of leaders and employees across the university

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a human resources area or a related degree; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in labor relations, employee relations, and contract administration; experience with labor relations in a complex and/or decentralized organization; experience serving on a bargaining team; understanding of labor laws, regulations, and labor union dynamics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in higher education or similar environment; strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience as a chief spokesperson for collective bargaining; advanced training or education related to Labor and Employee relations; Human Resources certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

hr.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends September 22, 2026 at 11:55 PM