Labor Relations Manager LDA

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

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Exemption Status:

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

The Opportunity:

This is a Limited Duration Assignment that can last up to two years, but can end at any time.

Who we’re looking for:

Are you an experienced labor relations professional who excels at negotiating contracts, providing decisive HR guidance, and building strong collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders? If you are committed to advancing equity and inclusion while navigating complex labor environments, Multnomah County invites you to apply for our Labor Relations Manager role.

Position Overview

The Labor Relations (LR) Manager researches, develops, bargains, and implements key HR/LR initiatives, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), memoranda, policies, and workplace practices. This role acts as a primary consultant and strategic advisor to executive leadership, operations management, HR staff, unions, and elected officials across a portfolio of assigned departments and labor contracts. This role will actively participate in the collective bargaining processes, negotiating successor agreements, managing interim demands, and drafting enforceable contract language.

The LR Manager serves as a stabilizing, objective presence, resolving complex employee disputes, representing the County in administrative and legal proceedings, and navigating high-conflict, high-stress scenarios while fostering collaborative union-management relationships and maintaining full legal compliance.

Labor Negotiations and Contract Management

• Lead or support bargaining teams through all stages of successor contract negotiations, from pre-planning through post-settlement ratification.
• Negotiate interim bargaining demands, grievances, and Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), drafting all formal settlement agreements and resolutions.
• Draft clear contract language, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), and statutory notifications.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union leadership to foster open communication, resolve disputes fairly, and ensure contract compliance.

Consultation and Expert Guidance with Assigned Customers

• Counsel leadership and HR partners on workforce planning, performance issues, contract interpretation, and employment risk mitigation.
• Investigate employee complaints and grievances, evaluate disciplinary actions, and ensure compliance with personnel rules and CBAs.
• Research labor statutes, contract provisions, and rules alongside County Counsel and HR specialists to ensure consistent decisions.
• Prepare legal briefs and represent the County as lead advocate during unemployment hearings and labor-management forums.

Human Resources & Labor Relations Training and Special Projects

• Design and deliver training to managers, employees, and HR staff on labor relations processes, conflict resolution, and best practices.
• Research public/private sector practices, update Personnel Rules for legal and Merit System compliance, and support advisory committees.
• Implement monitoring systems and audit departmental performance to ensure compliance with labor agreements and merit principles.
• Lead specialized programs as assigned, such as Drug & Alcohol administration, legislative reviews, layoff/bumping processes, and Merit Council support.

To Qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. 

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resources, business administration or a related field.  In lieu of a degree, we will consider equivalent years of related experience.
• Three years of professional labor relations experience such as grievance and contract administration, or dispute resolution, including experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements as a first and/or second chair.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Advance degree in a relevant field.
• Experience resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations. 
• Experience with a public sector, unionized environment. 
• Experience working with public safety unions is desirable.
• Political and organizational savvy to successfully implement suitable labor relations solutions according to the needs of the organization. 

Screening and Evaluation 

The Application Packet:

• A completed online application.
• A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Note:  The application,  resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview. 

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.
• Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.

Type of Position: This salaried executive position is not eligible for overtime.

Location:  Multnomah  Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR  97214

Schedule: This position will typically be remote telework and alternative schedules other than Monday - Friday may be an option. The schedule may change to hybrid in the future.

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

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Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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