Labor Relations Manager

Multnomah County

. Research, develop, bargain, and implement HR/labor relations initiatives, collective bargaining agreements, memoranda, policies, and workplace practices .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $118,323 - $177,485 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in labor relations, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and contract administration. Proven ability to advise leadership on compliance, workforce planning, and conflict resolution within a public-sector, unionized environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Collective Bargaining Agreements NegotiationGrievance ResolutionLabor Relations Training DesignContract AdministrationPublic-Sector Union Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Labor Relations InitiativesContract Language DraftingSettlement Agreements DraftingLegal Brief PreparationWorkforce PlanningPerformance Issue CounselingStatutory NotificationsMonitoring Systems ImplementationDisciplinary Action EvaluationConflict Resolution

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingEquity and Inclusion CommitmentPolitical SavvyOrganizational SavvyCommunication

Industry Keywords

Public AdministrationHuman ResourcesMerit System ComplianceDrug and Alcohol AdministrationLabor-Management ForumsEmployee Complaints InvestigationUnion Leadership EngagementArbitration ParticipationMerit Council SupportLegislative Reviews

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research, develop, bargain, and implement HR/labor relations initiatives, collective bargaining agreements, memoranda, policies, and workplace practices
Advise executive leadership, operations management, HR staff, unions, and elected officials across assigned departments and labor contracts
Participate in collective bargaining, negotiate successor agreements and interim demands, and draft enforceable contract language
Lead or support bargaining teams from pre-planning through post-settlement ratification
Negotiate interim bargaining demands, grievances, and Unfair Labor Practices
Draft settlement agreements, resolutions, MOUs, MOAs, and statutory notifications
Build constructive relationships with union leadership and ensure contract compliance
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 with County Counsel and HR specialists
Prepare legal briefs and represent the County in unemployment hearings and labor-management forums
Design and deliver labor relations, conflict resolution, and best-practices training
Research public/private-sector practices and update Personnel Rules for legal and Merit System compliance
Implement monitoring systems and audit departmental performance for compliance with labor agreements and merit principles
Lead specialized programs such as Drug & Alcohol administration, legislative reviews, layoff/bumping processes, and Merit Council support

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resources, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of a degree
Three years of professional labor relations experience, including grievance and contract administration or dispute resolution
Experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements as a first and/or second chair
Demonstrated experience and commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity
Application, resume, and cover letter required
Resume must include employer names, locations, employment dates, titles, responsibilities, and number of supervised employees
Preferred: advanced degree in a relevant field
Preferred: experience resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations
Preferred: experience with a public-sector, unionized environment
Preferred/desirable: experience working with public safety unions
Preferred: political and organizational savvy to implement labor relations solutions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Typically remote telework
Alternative schedules may be an option
Potential hybrid schedule in the future
Veterans’ preference under Oregon Law for qualifying veterans
Reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration, and on-call opportunities may be filled through this recruitment