EEO Officer and Deputy Director Employee and Labor Relations

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

Consistent with NEIU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, the EEO Officer and Deputy Director Employee and Labor Relations has primary responsibility for leading responses to incoming reports concerning faculty, staff, and third parties. Working with other leaders, the EEO Officer and Deputy Director Employee and Labor Relations oversees case management and serves as a designated campus resource engaged in addressing workplace conflict, issues, or concerns. The incumbent will partner with NEIU colleagues to assist with labor contracts of five collective bargaining units covering 270+ student employees, 650+ staff, 550+ faculty with non-faculty collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, support and training of administration and professional staff, and development of policies and procedures related to employee and labor relations. Serves as the University’s Equal Opportunity Officer and Records Officer. The duties performed in this role are professional, sensitive, and related to public relations. Extreme judgment is required for confidential employee matters, union contract administration, grievance administration, and discipline. The successful candidate must be able to shift priorities quickly. Problem resolution, research/investigation, analytical, and persuasive skills are vital in this role. This position reports to the AVP of Human Resources.

Job Description:

Employee and Labor Relations:

• Listens to employees, assesses situations and guides individuals toward effective problem resolutions and options.  

• Develop, design, deliver and evaluate a range of training programs regarding mediation, negotiation, and other related skills sets to promote constructive communication, conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving.  

• Consult with department leaders, managers and administrators to establish coordinated efforts to minimize the costs of workplace conflict; develop resources and tools to aid University constituents in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration and problem resolution. 

• Works proactively with management, leadership and union contacts to address employee concerns and conflicts;  supports building administration with employee disciplinary processes.  

• Consults with legal and senior leadership to interpret employment laws, (FLSA, EEOC, etc.) for application to specific  employee relations situations. 

Equal Opportunity:

• Receive, review and investigate complaints of discrimination or harassment. 

• Manage reports involving students, faculty, staff, and third parties from receipt to resolution.  Provide search committees with hiring guidance, EEO search compliance information and track searches. 

• Develop action-oriented programs/activities to address affirmative action goals and diversify the workforce based on current composition and availability.  

ADA :

• Oversee the case management and coordinate the accommodation process for all University employees, including working with the employee, management, HR colleagues, vendors, work location, and other stakeholders as necessary. 

• Support the initiation and management of the interactive process with employees, managers, HR, along with  applicable stakeholders. 

• Provide support and guidance while performing activities related to short term and long-term accommodations for  employees at work or returning to work for medical-based accommodations, including review and consistent  treatment of extension of leaves of absence as an accommodation.  

• Act as liaison between employees, management, Payroll, Benefits, Facilities and other departments/systems as appropriate.  

• Educate employees and HR on complicated aspects of return to work, accommodations, and complex case processes.  

• Assists leadership with FMLA/LOA requests. 

Data Tracking, Reporting and Records:

• Manage and continue to improve the University’s records retention and disposal program. 

• Counsel employees on compliance with the State Records Act and assist with the filing of records destruction requests to the state. 

• Maintain an up-to-date case management database, organizing and tracking all reports.  

• Monitor activity to track for patterns and systemic concerns and any barriers to reporting.  Assists with regulatory reporting requirements and inquiries. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimal Qualifications:

1. Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization:

A. Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position

AND

B. Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization

• Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement

• Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience

Departmental Preferences:  

• Advanced degree in a related field. 

• Knowledge of university or public labor organization contracts. 

• Experience in higher education human resources. 

• Experience in higher education labor relations. 

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. (Hours vary based on departmental needs).

Location: NEIU Main Campus (Requires travel to all NEIU campuses).

Setting: In Office (No permanent or full-time work from home is available).

This position requires a background check.

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Salary Range

$85,000-$100,000

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Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.