Labor Relations Director

Full Time Job
Who We Are:

The mission of American Public Media Group (APMG) is to create the future of public media by amplifying voices to inform, include, and inspire.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background as a highly consultative, collaborative problem solver, and demonstrate a desire and commitment to living our organizational values:

We exist to serve the public.

We lead with respect and inclusion.

We build trust.

We are creative and bold.

We succeed together through collaboration and personal accountability.

The Labor Relations Director is a strategic leadership role across the American Public Media Group companies, with leadership responsibility for labor relations for American Public Media, Minnesota Public Radio and Southern California Public Radio. The ideal candidate will have broad and deep experience in labor relations and leadership coaching, an understanding of principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and access, and a desire and commitment to living our organizational values.

This is a highly collaborative role works in partnership with HR, Legal, Finance and business leaders, providing oversight and guidance focused on solutions that align with and support organizational strategy and objectives, within the scope of established policies and procedures.

Please note, a preferred candidate has been identified for this position.

Application Deadline: Monday, September 18, 2023

Location: St. Paul, MN, hybrid

Expected Compensation Range: $110,000 to $150,000. Exact salary determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure and internal equity.

Position Responsibility:

The Labor Relations Director leads the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-wide people practices and strategies to align with business strategies and divisional goals. This senior leader partners with HR, Legal, Finance and business leaders to create an equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible culture focused on growth and outcomes.
• Guide complex employee relations issues, including coaching around difficult conversations, performance improvement, and investigations.
• Advise and coach managers and HRBPs to assess needs, identify risk, and provide guidance on internal policies, programs and procedures. This includes advising Human Resources business partners and leaders in multiple states.
• Apply knowledge of state and federal employment law to collaboratively advise leadership on resolving workplace issues.
• Guide/manage internal processes including documentation, performance improvement, and progressive discipline; and investigate potential legal concerns (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, ADA, EEO charges, etc.)
• Develop a labor relations strategy that focuses on management training in a union environment.
• Oversee the negotiation and interpretation of multiple collective bargaining agreements.
• Respond to or coach leaders in responding to grievances from bargain unit employees.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development around principles and strategies to facilitate change management, giving and receiving feedback, accountability, creative problem-solving, etc.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8 years of progressive human resources experience, 5 years of which include experience administering collective bargaining agreements and employee disciplinary procedures.
• 5 years’ experience at supervisory management level.
• Prior labor relations experience with multiple bargaining units required, including negotiation of CBAs, handling grievances and arbitration.
• Multi-state location experience required.

Required Skills
, Knowledge and Abilities:
• Strong knowledge of federal and state labor laws and NLRB regulations.
• Expert understanding and interpretation of current and future CBAs.
• Ability to apply sound labor relations and conflict resolution principles to address complex issues.
• Knowledge of human resources functions, policies and practices.
• Strong negotiation skills and influencing capabilities; outstanding communication skills.
• Fully proficient with UKG Pro, MS Office, social media and ability to quickly learn new technology as necessary.
• Professional, adaptable and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to establish a high degree of trust across the organization.
• Ability to research, network and stay apprised of industry trends, issues relevant to HR and the business, and changes to employment law.
• Experience with or understanding of the broader media industry, our business challenges, our competitive advantages and disadvantages and the implications for talent strategy.
• Experience with both non-profit and for-profit companies.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Some travel nationally is required, approximately 10-15%
• Physical Demands:
• Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Working Conditions:
• Moderate noise level.
• Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks/per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.