Director for Employee & Labor Relations at Columbia Basin College (WA), WA

About the Department

This position is receiving applications until November 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

Position Duties

• Support supervisors and non-union employees in resolving workplace challenges, including interpersonal conflicts, performance coaching, and communication concerns, while respecting departmental autonomy;
• Provide consultation, training, and resources to supervisors on employee relations practices, conflict resolution, and corrective action processes;
• Investigate workplace complaints and concerns impartially, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, labor agreements, and applicable laws;
• Address and resolve grievances, workplace disputes, and employee concerns through collaborative, fair, and consistent practices;
• Develop, implement, and update employee and labor relations policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and College requirements;
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with union leaders, supervisors, and employees to promote trust and respect;
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations in collaboration with College leadership, ensuring agreements align with institutional goals and values;
• Organize and facilitate labor-management meetings and other forums to strengthen communication and address emerging issues;
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation and records of investigations, grievances, agreements, and employee relations activities; and
• Partner with HR leadership to align employee and labor relations initiatives with strategic priorities, contributing to a healthy and engaged workplace culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in human resources, employee relations, labor relations, or a related field, including experience interpreting and applying workplace policies and labor contracts;
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws, regulations, and best practices; and
• Strong ability to analyze complex workplace issues and provide practical, compliant, and equitable solutions.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of experience in employee and labor relations, with direct involvement in conflict resolution, grievance handling, and/or collective bargaining;
• Experience in higher education and/or the public sector; and
• Training or certification in mediation, conflict resolution, or employment law.

Competencies

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open-mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth;

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable;

Communication Skills: Clearly and persuasively articulate labor relations strategies and processes to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and alignment;

Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes and facilitate constructive dialogue to maintain productive relationships and minimize workplace disruptions;

Strategic Thinking: Align labor relations initiatives with long-term institutional goals, adapting to evolving challenges effectively;

Problem-Solving Skills: Address labor disputes and grievances promptly with creative, strategic, and equitable solutions; 

Leadership: Guide labor relations strategies with confidence, building trust and modeling professionalism in all interactions; and

Analytical Skills: Evaluate complex labor data, contracts, and grievances to develop informed, effective solutions.

Other Qualifications

This is a full-time, exempt position. Typical work hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, the employee must be flexible, as work hours may vary based on workload. Limited evening and weekend work may also be required.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. 
  • Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at the time of hire. 
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

Other Job Elements

The working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position performs work in a traditional office setting with typical office noise levels and personal interruptions. The work is fast-paced, sometimes involving emotional or stressful situations. This position requires infrequent overnight travel.

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