Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Position Number: 41213488

Payroll Title: LABOR REL REPR 4

Job Code: 000495

Job Open Date: December 1, 2025

Application Review Begins: December 16, 2025

Department Code (Name): PERS (HUMAN RESOURCES)

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 24

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $120,000 to $130,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $97,200 to $182,000/year.

Work Location: Student Affairs & Admin Svs - 3101

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8-5pm (flexible)

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Department of Human Resources is dedicated to providing exemplary customer service in support of teaching, research and the public service mission of UCSB. We are committed to forming strategic partnerships within the UCSB community that create a work environment designed to attract, develop and retain the best qualified people. The department has a staff of 40+ employees and is made up of the following areas: Compensation and Classification, HRIS, Staff Engagement, Employee and Labor Relations, Benefits, Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP), Leave Administration, Healthcare Facilitation, Retirement Counseling, Work/life Resources, Workplace Accommodations, Talent Acquisition, Training and Professional Development, UCPath and Workforce Administration, and HR finance & administration.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist provides employee & labor relations guidance to all levels of the organization, resolving highly complex issues in creative and effective ways. Serves as an experienced consultant and subject matter expert on all employee & labor relations matters and advises management on effective performance management steps, including corrective action and progressive discipline. Provides complex analytical support and functions as management advocate for grievances and complaint resolution processes as well as hearings, arbitrations and unfair practice charge matters. Provides expert guidance on unique personnel issues/problems without precedent or structure and develops/recommends best practice solutions to resolve those issues. Represents the campus to the Office of the President on systemwide bargaining negotiation strategy and positions. Exercises judgment and professional discretion, relying on advanced and specialized experience within the field, to resolve questions, concerns and grievance for a large and complex group of employees. May serve as a technical leader who provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized employee and labor relations expertise. #LI-KA1

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related area such as Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, Public Administration, behavioral or social sciences
• Required Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• 4-6 years of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience or experience as an attorney. Required
• Experience as an attorney
• Advanced organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations.
• Advanced knowledge of employee relations function and other subject areas of human resources.
• Strong and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution.
• Advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the organization.
• Capable in developing, interpreting, implementing and administering organization-wide human resources policies and processes.
• Advanced knowledge of labor/employment law, including applicable state and federal laws, court decisions regarding employment related matters and techniques of labor negotiations.
• Advanced level skills necessary to bargain and represent the University's interest in union negotiations and in complex/sensitive dispute forums.
• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively.
• Demonstrated skills to provide guidance to managers and employees on complex and significant employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in leading management in the areas of conflict and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment in responding to employee relations related requests.

• Understanding of the principles related to management, supervision and leadership to provide expert level advice and counsel.

Desirable Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of organizational policies and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of union/labor contracts.
• Demonstrated success in leading and administering performance management systems and mentoring managers on the process of evaluating performance.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Occasional travel required
• UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 50% Labor Relations - Responsible for administration of, including interpreting and advising on, highly complex collective bargaining agreements. Serves as a subject matter expert on all labor relations issues on campus. Manages grievance and complaint processing per applicable policies and collective bargaining agreements. Responsible for evaluating procedural requirements and merits of allegations, including assessment of timeliness, completion of filing requirements at each step, and coordination of any hearings or arbitrations that may result. Advises management in the investigation of allegations, exploration of resolution options, and preparation of formal response documents. Represents management in all formal procedural stages for fact finding, hearings, arbitrations and matters filed with the California Public Employment Relations Board. Researches and analyzes information related to management's position. Develops management's defense strategy including witness and exhibit preparation, direct and cross-examination, opening and closing statements, drafting of persuasive and legally correct briefs. In some cases, coordinates with campus counsel to retain and manage external counsel in representing management in hearings, arbitrations and PERB matters. Applies labor relations concepts to represent the organization's objectives in bargaining negotiations. Prepares and executes bargaining strategy to reach binding agreements with local and systemwide unions. Represents the campus in system-wide bargaining, recommends strategy on bargaining language and settlement options, and has the authority to commit the organization to system-wide agreements. Represents management in labor management meetings, ensuring follow up on relevant issues and concerns raised by union representatives and employees. Leads local management team in negotiations, building consensus in a collaborative manner among diverse entities, e.g., senior leadership, management, employees and union representatives. Develops management proposals and analyzes union proposals to determine appropriate response. Responds to local and systemwide requests for information, including collection and review of relevant data and records. Collaborates with campus counsel, other University counsel and the Public Records Coordinator in conducting legal analysis of the campus' response requirements and obligations pursuant to applicable state laws. Responsible for analyzing and advising on management's legal and bargaining agreement notice requirements related to proposed changes in terms and conditions within the scope of bargaining. Represents management in any meet and confer/ meet and discuss sessions related to notices of proposed changes. Coordinates campus management of union activities and access, in collaboration with other campus departments.
• 40% Employee Relations - Serves as a subject matter expert on all employee relations issues for campus. Works in a highly collaborative manner with people of diverse cultures and at all levels of the organization to effectively advise organization managers, supervisors and HR business partners on complex labor and employee relations matters, recommending solutions on both individual and organization-wide issues. Applies subject matter expertise to resolve questions, concerns and informal complaints for a large, complex employee population (both represented and policy-covered) in a creative and effective way. Responds to employee relations issues according to state and federal laws as well as applicable University policy and collective bargaining agreements. Ensures that legal and regulatory requirements are met in terms of employee relations to minimize risk and exposure to liability for the organization. Anticipates and identifies complex issues presented by management and/or employees. Analyzes all risks presented and develops recommendations for integrated human resource solutions. Facilitates resolution of employee concerns, including negotiation of formal settlement agreements. Provides expert advice and counsel to administrators, department heads, managers and front-line supervisors on best practices in the workplace, including people management principles, successful change management, improving workplace climate and sustaining employee engagement. Consults and advises on appropriate level of corrective action and progressive discipline to address performance, attendance and/or conduct concerns. Advises on all adverse employment actions including termination for cause, probationary release, management and senior professional release, layoffs and reductions in time, limited release and medical separations. Assists other campus compliance units with complex investigation and multiforum complaints and grievance matters, including Whistleblower/Internal Audit, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX. Coordinates with Office of General Counsel, campus counsel a