Director of Human Resources and Labor/Employee Relations
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)
Application
Details
Posted: 05-Feb-25
Location: Boston , Massachusetts
Salary: $105,000.00-$120,000.00
Employment Type:
Full-time
Organization Type:
Higher Education Institution
About MassArt:
Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.
MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Job Description:
Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Human Resources will be a key member of a highly collaborative team. The Director will play a critical role in shaping and executing the HR strategy to support MassArt's mission, vision, and goals. The Director is responsible for labor and employee relations, medical and other leaves, benefits administration and belonging functions within the organization. Also responsible for providing responsive, strategic, transparent human resources leadership and consulting services to the MassArt community. The Director is responsible for coordination and direction of labor/employee relations programs and functions. The Director also provides support to departments in various other areas of HR, including benefits & compensation, organizational development, coaching, operations, engagement, learning and development and compliance.
The Director takes a customer service approach with their work so that people seek out HR for help in working through organizational and people opportunities and have confidence in HR's ability to deliver high-quality and efficient solutions. Will serve as back-up at the request of the Executive Director or CHRO.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Chief Human Resources Officer
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Students and temporary employees as assigned
Salary: The salary range for this position is between $105,000-$120,000
Position is governed by the Non-Unit Personnel Policies Handbook
Key Responsibilities:
Acts as a strategic partner, working closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Director of HR and Payroll, in developing, implementing, and evaluating ongoing HR policies, programs, functions and activities ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the College and ensuring that the College is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Essential Job Duties:
Assists with the implementation and administration of the collective bargaining agreements, ensures compliance with contractual provisions and advises faculty and staff to ensure observance of timelines and procedures.
Responsible for labor and employee relations services to faculty and staff including policy interpretation, job-related counseling, and conflict resolution. Participate in the investigation and resolution of ongoing employee relations problems, anticipate problems whenever possible, and develop, recommend, and initiate appropriate steps for resolution. Works closely with the CHRO on complex employee or labor issues.
Develops and recommends strategies for labor management and employee relations. Ensures the College complies with applicable bargaining agreements and relevant state and federal regulations. Responsibilities also include serving as the designated hearing/grievance review officer for grievance hearings as outlined in applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Provides on-going guidance to supervisors related to performance management /improvement and disciplinary actions.
Serve as the College liaison with union partners based on assignment by the CHRO and in consultation with the Provost for faculty union issues
Ensures the effectiveness of professional development, and engagement and recognition programs, to provide all employees opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Participates in developing department goals, objectives.
Works with CHRO and the Executive Director of HR and Payroll in developing, implementing, and evaluating ongoing HR policies, programs, functions and activities ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the College and ensuring that the College is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Administers and serves as advisor to employees on personnel matters including but not limited to benefits, medical leaves including FMLA and PFML, ADA requests, workers' compensation, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreement benefits.
Advise and meet with employees regarding health and insurance benefits and all leave matters, including but not limited to; FMLA, PFML, ADA, WRC, etc.
Maintains and improves systems to process human resources transactions and records and conducts research, collects data, provides analysis and prepares reports relevant to the College's leaves, benefits, and employee and labor relations activities.
Maintains current knowledge of and interprets, implements and complies with federal, state, local laws and labor contracts that affect the human resources functions of the College, including mandatory training requirements.
Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws and discuss the impact of changes with CHRO and Executive Director of HR and Payroll.
Ensures that supervisors and College leaders consistently administer College policies and procedures related to human resource management, are advised on human resource matters, and are supported in developing a culture of accountability, shared governance, innovation and employee engagement.
Represents MassArt by presenting and participating at conferences. Participates in professional organizations and builds strategic relationships through networking.
Serves as liaison to the Department of Industrial Accidents, Department of Family and Medical Leave, and other agencies as needed.
At the request of the CHRO, may be asked to participate in committees, meetings, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required in HR or related field with at least three year's progressively responsible relevant experience.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, handle and follow through on competing assignments, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated experience in employee and labor relations, medical leaves, and benefits administration.
Strong customer service, organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Proficiency with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office applications.
Must have flexibility with changing work conditions and assignments.
Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proven experience and skills to quickly learn new systems and applications.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Experience with applicant tracking systems, i.e. Interview Exchange and/or Ellucian Colleague.
High level of customer service skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual ability to speak, write and read Spanish.
Experience working with Collective Bargaining Agreements preferably AFSCME, APA, MSCA.
Strong proficiency with HR/CMS skills
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment with confidential/sensitive material and information
Ability to create, manage, and administer training and development plans for employees.
Ability to collaborate in a team-based environment and interact effectively.
Ability to function independently in a role that often requires multi-tasking of duties.
Additional Information:
Please note MassArt:
Does not support employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
Is not an E-Verify institution.
Selected candidates must be eligible to work in the US at the time of employment, complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and provide proof of eligibility to work in the US by completing the Form 19, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed. For a list of all acceptable documents please click here.
Comprehensive Benefits (does not apply to contractor/student positions): When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Please click here to view MassArt Benefits.
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class.
MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)
Colleges of the Fenway is a collaborative effort of five neighboring Boston-based colleges in the Fenway area. This collaboration was created to add value to student academic and social life while seeking innovative methods of investing in new services and containing the costs of higher education. Collectively, the colleges represent more than 12,000 undergraduate students, comprising 16.2% of the total Boston population of undergraduates attending four-year colleges, more than 700 full-time faculty, and 2,300-course offerings.