Assistant Employee Relations Director

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists with the overall management of Human Resources/Employee Relations programs, services, and staff. Promotes a culture of inclusivity through empathy, respect, understanding, and active listening. 

• Operates as a member of the Employee Relations Management Team; participates in and contributes to the development of departmental goals, objectives, and strategic plans and establishes criteria, standards, and action for achievement. Acts during the Director’s absence to see matters requiring attention are handled.

• Oversees, supervises, and coordinates the work of other employees; hires, promotes, mentors, and trains employees. Makes work assignments, directs work, evaluates performance, rewards, and disciplines.

• Assists in the oversight and management of Employee Relations functions of the county. Provides technical assistance and advice on the application of rules and regulations, labor contract provisions, State statutes, policy and procedures, and past practice.

• Serves as coach and mentor to others with employee performance, job evaluation and compensation issues, policy and practice guidance, training facilitations, and benefits and payroll program design.  Provides advice and counsel on people management issues; directs and guides ER department staff in their work on these matters.  

• Participates in labor negotiation strategy sessions and bargaining. Provides input to scenarios, options, and impacts regarding County bargaining positions. Assists with contract strategy, language, and management proposal work-ups.

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, contracted professionals, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.  

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. 

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, contracted professionals, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.  

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. 

• Equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree and seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least 2 years of experience managing HR programs or staff.

• A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment law background and training 

The employee is under broad guidance and direction from the Director and has broad latitude for independent judgment and decision-making. Work is performed in accordance with county policies, collective bargaining agreement provisions, and applicable federal and state laws. The employee exercises extensive latitude in determining daily priorities, the work to be done by self and others, and how to achieve outcomes. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, inspection of products developed, conferences, and objectives achieved. This is a highly independent role with multi-task orientation and ongoing demands generated by the needs of others. The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17. The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others. 

Knowledge – Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts and the proper development and role of each. 

Knowledge of Payroll, HRIS, and Benefits laws and practices as they exist and apply to public sector human resources in Minnesota. 

Knowledge of job classification and compensation practices, systems, and processes. 

Knowledge of the procedures and practices of collective bargaining, labor contract administration, and dispute resolution.

Knowledge of supervisory practices. 

Knowledge of principles and practices of risk control and analysis related to employment law. 

Knowledge of methods and procedures of processing personnel transactions and maintaining personnel records. 

Knowledge of employee performance management, coaching, counsel, corrective action, and discipline and how they are best used amid union contracts and policy provisions. 

Knowledge of talent management best practices, emerging issues, and ways to recruit and retain talent. 

Knowledge of separate collective bargaining agreements and how to apply them appropriately and differently to situations as defined by each and the situation at hand.

Knowledge of Training and Development best practices in a multi-disciplined organization.  

Knowledge of Health and Safety needs and requirements in a multi-disciplined organization.

Abilities – Ability to analyze complex interpersonal and/or technical problems and to prepare clear and concise plans of action to address them. 

Ability to mediate conflict and bring opposing parties to resolution of issues. 

Ability to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged situations and settings. 

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, in group settings, and with individuals at all levels within and outside of the county. 

Ability to exercise empathy, respect, understanding, and active listening.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.